Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 February 1895 — Practicing the Piano. [ARTICLE]

Practicing the Piano.

Ladies’ Home Journal. The length of time for practice must depend upon the health and the circumstances surrounding the pupil. As much time as possible should be given to daily practice, and two hours at least should be devoted to that purpose. The time of day is in. the morning, as the mind is freer and the body in a refreshed condition. Difficulties are attacked with more courage and their intricacies more easily comprehended then and overcome,then than in the later part of the day. Practice amounts to very little if the body and mind are tired. Persistence in practice under these conditions—through a mistaken sense of dutv —is often injurious to health, and certainly fails of any musical accomplishment. To those not in delicate health one hour is not too long for one sitting. In sitting at the piano the stool should be of sufficient height to bring the elbows on a level with the top of the keys, so that the hands may fall naturally into position. The arms should hang from the shoulders in in easy, graceful position, and not to be hugged to the side.