Video recording of practice used in one-on-one teaching 

Students record videos of their own practice sessions. These recordings may consist of larger or smaller passages selected by either the students or the teacher. The videos are shared digitally with the teacher, who uses them as a foundation for reflection, feedback, and dialogue with the students. 

This activity of recording one’s practice can be implemented in many ways. Links to different approaches are provided at the bottom of this page. 

Navigate the different aspects of the activity here

Purpose and target audience
Technology/setup
Teacher/student requirements
Links to different approaches

The purpose of the activity

  1. To provide the teacher with insight into the practice process 
  2. To encourage students to gain awareness of and reflect on their own practice 
  3. To provide students with feedback informed by insights into their practice process, with a focus on both their progression and final performance 
  4. To develop students’ reflective skills 
  5. To improve the quality of practice, learning, artistic expression, and performance 
  6. To prioritize process over the final result 

Target audience

Music students and conservatory students 

Technology/setup

  • Video or audio recording with a mobile phone or tablet 
  • A platform for video sharing, such as the institution’s Learning Management System (LMS), like Moodle or Speedadmin, or via email, a closed Facebook group, a shared drive, etc. 

Requirements

Teacher

  • Willingness to adopt a more coaching/facilitating role that focuses on the process 
  • Establish a well-defined structure that includes setting guidelines, planning, and clear objectives 
  • Curiosity and a reflective approach to practice 
  • For instance, starting with reflection on their own practice routines 
  • Optionally reading theoretical or musician-focused materials on practice for practical insights to share 
  • Awareness that video sound quality need not match classroom or professional recording standards; the focus is on observation 

Student

  • An openness to trying a new approach and inviting the teacher into an otherwise private practice space 
  • Willingness to create honest recordings, including accepting mistakes; the teacher can only provide effective support if recordings genuinely reflect what happens during practice 
  • An understanding of how to access/upload videos to the designated platform