One of the most valuable skills we can learn when we are busy is time management.  Using our practice time wisely when we have little time can make an enormous difference in the long run.  Here are some tips to help get the most out of the time that is available:

♪ Practice with a pencil.  Writing in hints to prevent mistakes can save countless repeating to get something right.

♪ Schedule your practice time.  If you have already set aside time, however short it may be, it will save time debating about what to do next.

♪ Use your down time.  Finger though scales or difficult passages in band class, either before the rehearsal gets started, or while the teacher is rehearsing with another section.

♪ Leave your flute assembled when you are home until late.  This way, you can squeeze in a few minutes here and there while dinner is not quite ready or it is not quite time to leave.

♪ Practice without your flute.  Even when we don’t have time to practice, there are thing we can accomplish without our instruments.  Practice double tonguing or triple tonguing while you walk between classes.  Listen to recordings or your repertoire (or any classical repertoire for that matter) in the car.  Finger flute passages on your pencil when you’ve finished a test in class.

♪ Practice breathing well when you can’t sleep at night.  Take in deep breaths to inflate your tummy (not your shoulders) as you lie on your back in bed.  These relaxed deep breaths will not only improve you breath support for the flute, but will also help you get to sleep.

Remember that the little things that we do consistently add up to big things over time.  If you have any other time saving tips please share them.