Now that you've established your desire to learn how to play a musical instrument, the next step is to fully commit to it. Any successful musician will tell you that in order to excel in your instrument you should continually practice. Here are some tips to keep in mind before, during and after every practice session.

Music Education in the News:"O Fortuna" from Carl Orff's Carmina Burana is said to be the UK's most played and listened to classical piece.

This Day in Music History:1963 - Paul Hindemith, music theorist, teacher, string player and composer of the 20th century, died in Frankfurt am Main due to pancreatitis.

Aside from the teacher, the parent or guardian play an important role in shaping a child's future in music. Here are some tips to make practice time less of a chore and more of a fun activity.

Music Education in the News: A recent study says that a modified music therapy may help those who suffer from chronic tinnitus.

This Day in Music History: 1944 - Composer and piano virtuoso Amy Marcy Cheney Beach died in New York City.

We've heard it before "practice makes perfect" and "perfect practice makes perfect." Even the most eager learner might cringe when told to "practice your musical instrument everyday." There's something about the word "practice" that overwhelms us and tempts us to run out the door. To many, the word practice means "drudgery" and "boring."

But nowadays, music teachers utilize new techniques of teaching music in a more motivating and enjoyable way. There are also lots of good method books and practice books available in the market today. The bottom line is, if we want to master our chosen instrument and become good players, we should aim to practice regularly. Perhaps at first it may seem like a chore, but as we progress and become more skilled players, practicing becomes enjoyable. Here are some practice tips for parents of young musicians and other beginning music students:

The last day of our countdown brings you another Christmas music quiz, a Russian composer who is believed to have been born on this day, a recommended movie and a personalized gift suggestion. May you have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house we can hear carols being sung aloud. Today's countdown brings you another quiz that will test your know-how of some of our well-loved Christmas carols.

Time does fly and tomorrow night is already Christmas Eve! Since you've been learning about different carols these past few weeks, it's time to put your knowledge to the test. In today's countdown, find out how well you know your Christmas carols by taking the Christmas Music Trivia quiz.

"When Christmas Comes To Town" is a song by Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore that was featured in the film "The Polar Express." This movie is an adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg's best-selling children's book which won a Caldecott Medal in 1986. Learn more about this movie in today's countdown.

He was the leader of a group of Russian composers called "The Mighty Five." He composed songs, symphonic poems, piano pieces and orchestral music, among others. It has been mentioned that Balakirev had a reputation of being a tyrant which earned him many enemies during his lifetime. Learn more about Mily Alekseyevich Balakirev in today's countdown.

We only have 5 more days to go until Christmas. Today brings us a carol by Richard Smith and Felix Bernard, a singer who recorded one of his famous hits on this day, plus another suggested movie and stocking stuffer.

"White Christmas" remains one of the most popular and best-selling Christmas songs ever written. Many versions of this song has since been recorded, but Crosby's rendition remains a favorite. Read more about this carol in today's countdown.