by Steven Peters
P = Practice: the playing of studies, repertoire, scales, and any other activity that works towards the improvement of the player's musical product.
I = Intent: These are the goals that the player sets for themselves to work on during a practice session. Whether it be a beginner student striving to learn their scales, or an advanced player striving to smoothen out the phrasing of Debussy's Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, session goals help to productively direct the player through their practice time.
P = Perseverance: While sometimes the intent of the practice can be frustrating, it is imperative that the player make continued attempts to reach their session goals, while also ensuring that frustration from error is not allowed to have an adverse effect.
E = Effort: Music is a discipline, and as such, the player themselves must also be disciplined. As with many other things in life, it is very easy to allow distractions to interfere with focus and direction during practice sessions, and sometimes easy to even neglect practice altogether. Making a conscious effort to make set and achieve daily practice goals will build both discipline and skill in the player.
S = Success: By combining intent, perseverance and effort within each practice session, the player will see their personal goals come into focus, and will become a better player for it over time.
