So, my viola instructor, during every lesson, asks me exactly how I practice whatever piece I happen to be working on at the time. I`m not necessarily asking for suggestions. I`m just a little curious as to the different practice methods different people use.

NOT!!! (hihi)

No, I work 1 hour on technical things (scales, bows, fingering, ...). And about 1 hour for my pieces.

You?

Yea, that`s pretty much what I do...with some stretching at the very beginning. I`ve hurt myself once and my brother got tendonitis on the violin. So, stretching seems to be the better way to go.

usually i start out on scales(mandatory) then i move to etudes, warm-ups, then my solo pieces, and if i have orchestra music, those are next.

i usaully do scales first (without the books) then the easier pieces, and eventually the harder ones. this takes about 2-3 hours, but i would spend more time with it, if i had time..lol.

i start with scales. first choose a key note a day. then do all the relative scales e.g. three octaves and two octaves major and minor (both forms) with the relative bowings... the appeggios... then dominant and dominished sevenths that commence on the key note you`ve chosen... then the chromatic scale... then the double stop scales either in thirds, sixths or octaves.
my teacher advises using mixed rythems and chain bowing on all scales..

then start on pieces.. usually practice a study first, practicing the parts you find most difficult first...
then onto other pieces using the same methods..