Not Until You've Done Your Practice: The classic survival guide for kids who are learning a musical instrument, but hate practicing

by Philip Johnston, David Sutton

You've bought the instrument, you're paying for lessons...and your kid won't practice. Don't panic. Big print, cartoon filled survival guide for kids who love to play, but hate to practice. From Philip Johnston, author of The Practice Revolution, and founder of practicespot.com

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

120 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2004

Reviews

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since publishing this little book Philip Johnston has expanded and updated into an extensive tome about practice methods. I kept this on my shelf as his relaxed approach is similar to that of my own book, Practice is a Dirty Word; How to clean up your act. Like that, he offers reality check coated in humour.
It's short and easily read, with frequent illustrations. The section Making it Fun offers useful suggestions to motivate. Time management suggestions like "Every time you have to wait for something, ran five minutes of practice" are useful.
What struck me on a reread is how students and society have changed since this book was published in 1990. The sample routine for a day shows few distractions other than cartoons and Inspector Gadget. Today's youngsters are barraged by digital distractions and multi commitments.
A pleasant book contains some helpful tips.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful guide on strategies for maximising the use of practice time.

[Faith Nicole Redden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is very beneficial for helping students want to practice more. The second part has basic skills that are very beneficial for students and parents to refer to. My favorite part was the third and fourth part that give examples of fun ways to practice and make music learning games. It was a good reminder of what practice time should be like and a guide on how to effectively show that to students.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, easy to read, and full of practical strategies to make practise worthwhile. I just picked up a copy of my own and realised the practise strategies I use - and encourage my students to use - are the ones I learned in this book twenty-five years ago.

Highly recommended for music students young and old, as well as their parents and teachers.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I leave it on the coffee table for parents and students to read while waiting for lessons and they love it. Helps bring to the open about issues of practice in my studio in easy language and that is easy to understand. I still keep it on the table for them to see and review. : )

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted. Very fast read. I may keep it in the lobby of my music school.