The International Practice Camp
Level-up your playing in one fun week without getting overwhelmed, injured, or frustrated in the practice room.
If you’re a motivated musician or passionate teacher looking to sharpen your practice & playing skills this summer, get unstuck, or level-up before the school year starts, then you already know that you need to boost your game in the practice room.
The International Practice Camp is taught by world experts in practicing for performance with fun, effective, science-driven strategies that accelerate your learning, boost your progress, and keep you healthy as you reach for your playing dreams!
She got in!
Your wonderful teaching and approach to practice have really guided (my daughter) in her violin journey as well as viola. Thank you!
Lubica
Camp Parent, 2021 after her daughter got into her top conservatory and won a scholarship
An Online Festival Like No Other
Get a head start on success and level-up your playing before the school year and season even start!
The International Practice Camp is a groundbreaking online festival meticulously designed for motivated classical musicians and enthusiastic teachers. Over the course of five days, you will immerse yourself in a world where practice aligns with the cutting-edge SPARK Practice system - a proprietary blend of insights from neuroscience, elite sports training, top musical education, and mindfulness techniques.
At IPC, you'll get:
Confidence in the Practice Room
Break free from self-doubt and performance anxiety. The International Practice Camp equips you with the mental and physical toolkit to approach your practice (and performances) with confidence and joy.
100 Proven Practice Strategies
Learn and put into action to an exclusive set of proven, science-driven practice strategies used by the world's elite musicians (and some that they don't even know yet!). These techniques will not just change how you practice; they lay the intentional groundwork for your best performances yet.
Supportive International Community
Join a vibrant community of motivated musicians and inspiring educators. The camp is a space for building connections, offering encouragement, and exchanging insights - all essential elements for fun, sustainable artistic growth.
Expert Toolbox of Mental Practice Strategies
During IPC, you'll learn how to integrate powerful mental practice strategies into your practice routine. From unique visualization exercises to real practice gains, to cultivating supportive self-talk, learn how the mind can be your greatest ally in achieving musical excellence.
I rocked my recital!
The Spark method really helped me leading up to my final recital. It meant I could achieve my targets in much less time without burnout. It has made practice more manageable, focussed and fun!
Isobel, viola
Your Week at a Glance
International Practice Camp: The online festival Dedicated to Practicing
Monday July 19 - Friday July 26, 2024
10am - 5:30pm East / 7am - 2:30pm West / 3pm - 10:30pm UK
Total playing time per day is +/-90 minutes, practice time is 2 hours, with 25% of practice time dedicated to expert strategies for mental practice!
IPC Daily Schedule
Block 1 /
Warmup and Practice Workout
Each day kicks off with a mindful group warmup to prepare your body and mind for the day's adventures!
This is followed by an hour of intensive, intentional practice, employing the expert strategies and proprietary SPARK Framework that help you level-up every time you practice.
Lunch break!
Block 2 /
SPARK & your Mental Practice Toolkit
Post-lunch, dive deep into one of the elements of the SPARK system, before engaging in a mental practice session designed to build your playing skills, resilience, and focus.
Water / stretch break!
Block 3 /
Accelerator & Oops Class
Then grab your instrument for another inspiring 30-minute SPARK session, followed by the unique Oops Class - our innovative take on the traditional masterclass, where mistakes aren’t just accepted; they're celebrated as valuable learning opportunities and a way to support each other in this unique learning environment.
Important Notice: Because this is a participation-based festival, we use video on/sound off for group exercises and practice sessions. No recording is allowed for the safety of all participants.
Performance Opportunity! The week culminates in a fun class recital, as an inclusive opportunity to take a snapshot of your growth and celebrate the journey with your peers.
SPARK Practice is brilliant!
⚡️SPARK Practice is brilliant! The system has helped both me & my students become more efficient practicers & more secure performers. It can be applied at every ability level & the results are tangible!"
Gwendolyn Cawdron
Associate Principal Viola, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Your Transformative Practice Starts with SPARK
The International Practice Camp is designed for:
Advanced students at conservatories looking to take their practice to a professional level.
Professional musicians in pursuit of excellence and seeking to refresh their practice and performance approaches.
Passionate Teachers aiming to enrich their pedagogical toolkit with innovative, science-backed strategies.
Why come to IPC?
You're here because you're ready to level up - sign up now and make it happen!
In a landscape where practice hours alone no longer guarantee progress, the International Practice Camp guides you into a holistic, science-based approach to musical learning and advanced progress.
This festival is more than just a series of sessions; it's an opportunity to redefine your musical journey, supported by international experts and a community that shares your passion and dedication.
Don't let another year of unchanged routines and unmet potential pass you by. Join us at the International Practice Camp for a week that won't just transform how you practice, but how you understand how you learn and deepen your understanding of yourself as a musician.
Your future self will thank you. Spots are limited—secure your seat at the International Practice Camp today and get ready to level-up in July!
Sign up to Level-Up!
Pick your payment plan and enroll today.
SPARK Practice Guarantee: You have 10 days from the date of purchase to request a refund, no questions asked. Refunds will not be issued after the start of the International Practice Camp. If you have an issue, please reach out to Sarah directly. SPARK Practice is a safe space for everyone, and we take that very seriously. No bullying, harassment, filming of other students, or threatening behavior of any kind will be tolerated. If you partake in inappropriate behavior, you will forfeit your right to participate in the IPC, without a refund, and will be banned from SPARK Practice.
Spark Practice gets results 100% of the time
Spark Practice gets results 100% of the time, and I love to use it in my own practice and with my students! SPARK Practice is effective, practical, and, therefore, motivating!
Daina, teacher and violinist
IPC Frequently Asked Questions
Dates & Details
Monday July 19 - Friday July 26, 2024
10am - 5:30pm East / 7am - 2:30pm West / 3pm - 10:30pm UK
Total playing time per day is +/-90 minutes
You can enroll here: https://buy.stripe.com/14k3e70tnaQZ45W9AC
You can also do 3 easy payments with this payment link: https://buy.stripe.com/28o6qj1xr8IR0TK9AH
We do video on/sound off for group exercises - so you can participate without being under the spotlight!
You are also welcome at Oops Class, the anti-masterclass where mistakes are encouraged - so we can support eachother and fix them together!
You are also invited to perform a short work at the camp recital Friday afternoon.
Who can take this course?
You! ...If you're an advanced music student, professional musicians, or a passionate teacher (who's willing to jump in and participate as a musician!).
This course isn't for parents as it's all about participation! Parents are welcome at other SPARK Practice Classes to learn how to best support your musicians at home!
Are there replays?
IPC is a live festival! If you're in a timezone that's very different from the festival hours, we can discuss having a replay of the SPARK class after lunch.
Because the rest of the festival is collective video on/sound off, there are no replays of group activities to protect all our participants.
Is there an age limit?
We welcome musicians 13+. Minors need parental permission to participate, and we take safeguarding very seriously.
What makes SPARK Practice Special?
SPARK Practice is the proven, proprietary Intentional Practice System based in neuroscience, elite sports, top musical training, and mindfulness. SPARK Practice has been featured at multiple international educational conferences and festivals including the World Education Summit, and is leading the way in education about Practice for Performance.
What if I'm waiting on other festival acceptance?
Let Sarah know and we'll figure it out together.
If you don't get in elsewhere this year, after you join SPARK Practice you'll have a lot more choices next year. 😎
Is SPARK Practice a real school?
Yep! We're based in Paris, France, but give classes online and all over the world.
Here's the official SPARK Practice School info!
SPARK Practice School
118 Avenue Jean-Jaurès
Le Belvedere C367 75019 PARIS
Tel +33 6 51 55 32 44
Email sarah@sparkpractice.com
Numéro SIRET: 917 549 693
N° TVA: FR 66 917549693
Who is The Practice Professor?
I'm so glad you asked! Sarah Niblack is The Practice Professor and SPARK Practice Founder. You can find out more about her HERE.
What playing levels are accepted?
At SPARK Practice, we're more interested in your curiosity about getting better and leaning into your practice than having a uniform playing level. We usually have players from ABRSM grade 7+ all the way through professionals preparing for international competitions. If you are committed to jumping in and getting the most that you possible can out of this festival, then you are welcome at the IPC.
What if I'm on the other side of the world?
You're welcome at IPC! We've had students from the USA, Europe, Australia, Korea, and more! Even if it's at a weird hour for you, you're welcome to join us.
What's your refund policy?
You have 10 days from the date of purchase to request a refund, no questions asked. Refunds will not be issued after the start of the International Practice Camp. If you have an issue, please reach out to Sarah directly.
Is SPARK Practice a safe space?
YES. SPARK Practice is a safe space for everyone, and we take that very seriously. No bullying, harassment, filming of other students, or threatening behavior of any kind will be tolerated. If you partake in inappropriate behavior, you will forfeit your right to participate in the IPC, without a refund, and will be banned from SPARK Practice.
Ok awesome! How do I enroll?
👇 Pick your payment plan and enroll today!
SPARK Practice Guarantee: You have 10 days from the date of purchase to request a refund, no questions asked. Refunds will not be issued after the start of the International Practice Camp. If you have an issue, please reach out to Sarah directly. SPARK Practice is a safe space for everyone, and we take that very seriously. No bullying, harassment, filming of other students, or threatening behavior of any kind will be tolerated. If you partake in inappropriate behavior, you will forfeit your right to participate in the IPC, without a refund, and will be banned from SPARK Practice.
Spark Practice gets results 100% of the time
Spark Practice gets results 100% of the time, and I love to use it in my own practice and with my students! SPARK Practice is effective, practical, and, therefore, motivating!
Daina, teacher and violinist
About SPARK Practice
SPARK Practice is leading the way in teaching Practicing for Performance worldwide.
"There are no shortcuts, but there are better roads"
-Sarah Niblack, The Practice Professor & founder of SPARK Practice
Do you know the missing piece in your practicing, mindset, and performance?
Let me help you Find your Spark. Are you ready to enhance your practice, mindset, and performance? Let us be your guide in discovering the missing pieces in your musical journey. Whether you seek to build healthier practice habits, overcome self-doubt, or prepare for a significant audition, we offer tailored support to help you find your Spark and achieve your musical goals.
Are you ready to enhance your practice, mindset, and performance? Let us be your guide in discovering the missing pieces in your musical journey. Whether you seek to build healthier practice habits, overcome self-doubt, or prepare for a significant audition, we offer tailored support to help you find your Spark and achieve your musical goals.
Learn more about SPARK Practice on the About Page HERE.
SPARK Practice Guarantee: You have 10 days from the date of purchase to request a refund, no questions asked. Refunds will not be issued after the start of the International Practice Camp. If you have an issue, please reach out to Sarah directly. SPARK Practice is a safe space for everyone, and we take that very seriously. No bullying, harassment, filming of other students, or threatening behavior of any kind will be tolerated. If you partake in inappropriate behavior, you will forfeit your right to participate in the IPC, without a refund, and will be banned from SPARK Practice.