Practice
In general, one could divide practice into
- Technical practice
- Musical practice
Moreover, there are many aspects one can work on:
- Technique
- Time
- Reading, sight reading
- Writing, transcribing
- Sound, tone
- Listening, hearing, ear training
- Orchestration
- Expression
- Dynamics
- Band playing = playing with others
- Improvisation = coming up and developing musical ideas
- Repertoire, memory = learning songs
- Music theory
- Music history - instrument, genres, players
The key to practice is deliberate practice. Not just spending time but focusing on the issue that needs to be improved.
More on deliberate practice - here and here.
Based on the recent studies, the gist of the practice that produces the best results is:
- Isolate problem areas
- work on one specific issue slowly
- practice until you master the issue
Links