The importance of personal practice for instrumentalists and vocalists is well established among researchers, and axiomatic for practitioners. This paper reports on a phase of an action research project, investigating student approaches to personal practice. Following a preliminary questionnaire study, a residential clinic was conducted by practitioner-researchers for eight student participants. In a programme addressing practice, rehearsal and performance, students were introduced to and supported in the development of self-regulatory skills, through generic practice strategies and tools for time-management and self-evaluation. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, weblogs and practice schedules. Students' previous experience with learning about practice was characterised, and complemented by the exploration of a programme offering support for more strategic approaches, beyond the setting of individual lessons.