Strategic approaches to practice: An action research project created by Kim Burwell and Matthew Shipton

The importance of personal practice for instrumentalists and vocalists is well established among researchers, and axiomatic for practitioners. This paper reports on a phase of an action research project, investigating student approaches to personal practice. Following a preliminary questionnaire study, a residential clinic was conducted by practitioner-researchers for eight student participants. In a programme addressing practice, rehearsal and performance, students were introduced to and supported in the development of self-regulatory skills, through generic practice strategies and tools for time-management and self-evaluation. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, weblogs and practice schedules. Students' previous experience with learning about practice was characterised, and complemented by the exploration of a programme offering support for more strategic approaches, beyond the setting of individual lessons.