1.   Only start practicing what you can finish. Work wisely on a small part of the music; don't try to digest it all at once.

2.   Don't focus on just the notes but focus on every aspect of the music to include rhythm and dynamics. Do this from the very beginning of learning the piece.

3.   Always "be present" during your practice sessions. Focus on the task at hand.  Don't let your mind wander! If you find yourself daydreaming, bring yourself back to the present.

4.   Listen to the music you are trying to learn. This is something you can do in the car on the way to work or in the shower! You can download the tune for probably a dollar or so from the internet. Or you might be able to find the tune on a CD at your local library.

5.   Listen to lots of different music.

6.   Set aside a small amount of practice time each and every day. Ten minutes practice each day is worth infinitely more than 60 minutes practice once a week. You can take a couple days off, but try for at least 4-5 days of practice out of every 7.

7.   Before practicing your piece, warm-up with some practical exercises, such as scales 
      and cadences/chords. Just a couple of minutes will do wonders!

8.   Try to set a single goal each day. "Today I am going to learn that third line better."

9.   Realize that you are probably not going to learn the whole piece today, but you will make progress. Divide your piece into easily digested parts. Work in small sections, even if its only a few measures.  Its still progress!

10.  Frequently review old material.

11.  Don't allow any mistakes! When you practice, practice correctly. This includes correct fingering, using the metronome, counting outloud, and playing your notes cleaning. This can also include playing with the correct dynamics. Remember that practicing a skill makes it permanent.  Incorrect practicing also makes permanent. Be careful!

12.  Don't try to play fast in order to save time. It is better to play less material slowly
and get  everything correct.

13.  Watch your body posture and facial expressions! Good posture is the key to doing many activities correctly, including practicing your instrument. Record your practice sessions with a video camera or have a mirror close by to monitor your facial expressions and body posture. Any trouble you are having with your playing could be related to how you are holding or sitting at your instrument.

14.  Record your practice sessions and play those back to yourself later perhaps while driving to work or school. Its amazing how much more  a person can pick up by really listening to themselves.

15.  Don't play the familiar sections over and over, work on the sections not familiar to you! If you are having trouble with an unfamiliar section, don't go back to the familiar section. Keep working on the unfamiliar section!

16.  Vary your practice, don't just play a section over and over. You can sing the section, clap and count the rhythm, or play the music backwards. Practicing doesn't have to be  just sitting down and playing whats written there. Be creative! Have fun!

17.  Remember that practicing is supposed to be fun! Approach your new music with a  good attitude, because its going to be great to learn a new piece!