Regular practicing is critical to the student's progress.  Students should make every effort to practice every day except for the lesson day.  It is also important that parents reinforce this requirement at home.  I will ask students to prepare a "practice journal" for each lesson.  Students must write down the pieces practiced each day as well as the total number of minutes.  Journals must be filled out fully and honestly.  If a student repeatedly fails to meet the practicing requirement, I may recommend that he/she discontinue lessons.