Smart Habits + The Right Tools = Meaningful Progress
Practicing a string instrument isn’t just about putting in the hours—it’s about developing great technique, staying engaged, and having the right tools close at hand. Whether you're a student, parent, or professional, these essential practice tips (plus some great gear from Shar Music) will help you make the most of every session.
1. Set a Goal for Every Session
Before you pick up your instrument, it is vital to know exactly what you’re working on. Whether it’s mastering a tricky shift, refining tone, or improving rhythm, clear goals make practice purposeful. Remember, practice doesn’t make perfect, PERFECT practice makes perfect! And perfect practice begins with a goal.
Pro Tip: log not only your goals before the practice, but debrief and jot down how your session went and if your goal was achieved.
2. Begin with a Full-Body Warm-Up
Good posture is everything. Stand or sit tall, release tension in your shoulders, and make sure your instrument is comfortably supported. Additionally, learning the Alexander Technique – or any mindful stretching technique – can be helpful in this regard, re-training your muscles to improve your posture and coordination, as well as to minimize tension and pain. String instrumentalists are athletes of the small muscles, so act like one and stretch before practice!
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Playonair Deluxe Violin Shoulder Rest - Inflatable cushioned support that conforms to the players shoulder. Many sizes available. Lifetime Warrantee.
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Performa Plastic or Padauk Wood Shoulder Rest - A sleek, ergonomic option that distributes pressure more widely and evenly. Perfect for those looking for more support or those with a narrow frame.
- Empire Adjustable Shoulder Rest – A comfortable and supportive shoulder rest with no frills, all function!
3. Focus on Hand Positioning
Your left-hand shape and right-hand bow hold affect tone, comfort, and long-term muscle health. Keep your left wrist straight and relaxed, fingers curved, and thumb relaxed. Always keep a flexible bow hand.
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Shar PinkyHold – Designed for the developing student to build muscle memory for the exact placement of the right hand’s pinky. (It comes in fun colors, too!)
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Wrist Rascal – For beginners, gently trains the left wrist’s muscle memory for proper posture and playing position.
4. Practice in Focused, Manageable Segments
Break up your time: warm-up, technical exercises, repertoire, and review. Short, focused sessions are more productive than long, distracted ones.
Recommended Products:
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Korg TM-70T Combo Tuner-Metronome – The ultimate tuning and rhythm training item for string instruments.
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Shar Mini Clip-On Tuner - Highly accurate metronome and tuner. Programmed with rhythms for subdivision practice.
5. Use a Mirror to Check your preferred alignment
Seeing is believing. Whether checking bow straightness or shoulder height, mirrors give instant feedback.
6. Slow Down to Build Muscle Memory
Don’t rush technique. Playing slowly with intention builds cleaner intonation, tone, and coordination. Intentional practice is some of the most important and effective work you can do practicing.
Recommended Product:
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Metronome (see above) – Essential for pacing yourself.
7. Record and Evaluate Your Playing
Watching or listening to yourself is like having an outside perspective. You’ll hear phrasing, dynamics, and even bow technique with new clarity.
Pro Tip: listen multiple times; focus first on small units (note, half measure, full measure), then listen to bigger and bigger chunks (half phrase, full phrase, etc.). You’ll find something new to focus on every time, but importantly, keep it limited. Focus on one thing, fix it, move on to the next thing.
Recommended Product:
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K&M Universal Phone Holder - Mount your phone to record your practice hands-free and review your progress.
- Korg Contact Microphone for TM-70T – Perfect accessory to the Korg TM-70T for recording with clarity and accuracy. (Get them as a pack here.)
8. Rotate Practice Materials to Stay Engaged
Repetition is good-but variety keeps you sharp. Mix in etudes, scales, sight-reading, and new pieces to cover more ground.
Shar Favorites:
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Kreutzer, Rodolphe - 42 Studies - Violin - Bowing, shifting, articulation-this book has it all.
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Franz Wohlfahrt - 60 Studies, Op 45 (Complete) - Violin - edited by Gaston Blay - Schirmer - Short, melodic etudes that are great for developing finger independence.
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Popper, David - High School of Cello Playing Op 73 Published by Barenreiter - Core technique-building pieces for intermediate and advanced cellists.
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My First Simandl: An Introduction to Franz Simandl's Etudes - Double Bass - Carl Fischer - Tried-and-true fundamentals for bassists of all levels.
Bonus Tip: Protect Your Instrument Between Sessions
Instruments are sensitive to humidity and temperature. Keeping them stable improves tone and prevents costly repairs.
Recommended Product:
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Humidi-Guard Humidifier – Simple, effective moisture control inside your instrument.
Wrap-Up
The best practice habits are consistent, intentional, and backed by tools that make the work easier. Shar Music carries instruments, bows, and everything else a string player will need.
