Practice Tip: Practice small sections at a time--2 measures or so and do it one hand at a time for piano students.  This gives your brain and body time to learn the moves. Just like an athelete, you need to train your muscles and brain to respond at the correct time to do it well.  Then move on the the next section. Do this for about 1/2 page and then go back and try to play it without stopping but slowly.  It should help you learn a lot faster.  

Practice Tip;  Is there a spot you just can't get?  Do it very slowly for at least 3 times.  Then gradually speed it up (by gradually, I mean very gradually so your body and mind can cement the notes and movements into it.  Be sure to take just that spot at first then after you feel like it's better go back and see if you can play right though it. If not, do it again, and again, and again....  ;-)

Playing by Ear:  Do you play by ear?  It's a wonderful skill to have.  If you play by ear, be sure to take the extra step of learning to read music.  It will open a whole new world of music for you.  That way you can play just about anything and just about any style with the added benefit of filling in those places that you might not quite get by ear, or that special time someone needs you to play something for them and you don't have time to learn by ear.  Those are only a few reasons but you will find that it makes you a much better musician combined with the ability to play by ear.

More tips to come soon.