Ukulele practice can happen anytime, just pick it up and play. This is Evan making it happen straight after school.

Make it happen a little more everyday. This is Ava with her Work in Progress practise video.

Whenever you need to learn something new you use a strategy to help you remember, most adults have learnt what works for them. However, as I learnt many years ago, just because I learn one way, it did not mean my children did. Part of our role as music teachers is to find the best way to facilitate the learning process for a person, of any age. Sometimes adults can explain the way that they learn, other times an educator reads the clues in speech and actions. It is very easy

We all know that practice is the right thing to do, but when to practice is something that is discussed less often. Taking a lesson and practising at home involves short term and working memory. The correct practice enables the information to transfer to long term memory just like practising riding your bike ensured you will never forget how. The website Understood.org summarises working memory as follows Working memory is like a temporary sticky note in the brain. It is a

I would like to introduce today's Gemstar, Harry. Harry has just started piano lessons with Andrew. Practice is important from day one, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming as everything is new. Stalybridge Music Academy offer a seven day support service where we will send you videos or advise with any problem or confusion. That way you too can give piano practise a big thumbs up. Every problem, hurdle or confusion is an opportunity to learn and grow in your ability. Th

Are you a morning person or an evening person? The sort of person you are can effect how you practice your instrument. If you asked me to practice at 6am, or honestly anytime before 10am, I would be useless. I love my sleep and I need a brew or two before anything; I admit I am at my best in the afternoon or evening and usually find it hard stopping what I am working on. One of our teachers at the Academy starts practising around 5am, honestly I have no idea how, but he does

Teacher's note: Make practice part of your daily routine. Once you have decided to learn music it is a good idea to commit and make your goal official. You could tweet taking lessons at #stalybridgemusicacademy #stalybridge or post on any of the other social media accounts using the same hashtags. We will try and respond, you can tag our social media account by using @stalybridgemusicacademy on Facebook. Check the other platforms for our accounts (or message Chris) we are on