Patricia Surman is adjunct professor of flute at Northeastern State University, Southwestern Adventist University, and teaching fellow in flute at the University of North Texas.

Practicing in an intelligent, patient manner is the only way to improve. All private lesson students are required to practice. A student needs to have a consistent time and place to practice. It is best to schedule in practicing as part of the daily routine.

How much should my child practice?

Time should reflect the age and overall goals of the student.

• Younger than 6th Grade: 20 minutes/4-5 days a week
• 6th Grade: 30-45 minutes/4-5 days a week
• 7th and 8th Grade: 30 minutes-1 hr./4-5 days a week
• 9-12th: 45-minutes to 1 hour a day/4-5 days a week

If your child is planning on being a music major in college, add an hour to the recommended amount.