You’ve started taking instrument lessons, and your instructor has given you a few assignments to work on. But the lesson is only the beginning! The real accomplishments come from practicing your instrument.
Setting aside time to practice music will help you improve more quickly. As you notice your progress, you’ll feel more motivated to keep practicing. But not all instrument practice is the same. Spending one hour practicing techniques isn’t the same as randomly noodling on your instrument for six. And when you’re just starting out, it can be a little frustrating!
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your practice time. These six practice tips from Real School of Music instructors will help you look at practice in a new way. They can make playing more enjoyable and easier to fit into your daily routine.
Focus on playing, not practicing
We often treat practice like work — long hours spent repeating scales, songs, and exercises in pursuit of a perfect performance. But what if perfection isn’t actually the goal?
For most musicians, the playing itself is the reward, not just the result. When you sit down to practice, don’t just focus on repetitive drills. Make sure to include music you genuinely enjoy, so practice stays fun and motivating. Playing along to a song you love will give you more motivation to nail your part, using your favorite artist as an example to aspire to.
When you start having fun with your playing, it no longer feels like practice. But you are still learning, and your love of music will help you to bridge the gap between your listening enjoyment and your growth as a musician!
Practice in “chunks”
Setting aside practice time matters, but breaking that time into smaller “chunks” can be even more effective for many students.
Try breaking your practice into short sessions throughout the day. Set a 15-minute timer or choose one small goal, like learning a specific section of a song, and focus on just that. This approach helps you pick up your instrument more often, reducing the time between practice sessions. Those frequent returns reinforce what you’ve learned far more effectively than waiting a full day before you play again.
Create a routine
Creating a routine that blocks off time for practice and using a chart to keep track of your progress will help your plan become a habit. Map out a plan that makes time in your week for practice, including making your instrument and any music you are working on easily accessible. Build a routine of how practice goes for you, as well. Whether you begin with a quick warm-up, run through basic scales, or jam along to a favorite song, having a set routine helps reinforce your learning.
Challenge yourself.
Are there parts of the piece that are more challenging for you? After warming up, start with those first and then circle back to parts that you’re already comfortable with after. Focus on moving forward one measure at a time through more difficult pieces and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. Set goals for yourself that will give you something to work towards as you play. Creating a chart for yourself of your goals can also be a great way to visualize your own progress.
Play with (and in front of) others
Even if your goal isn’t to perform in a concert or show, playing and collaborating with other musicians is one of the best ways to grow as one. Whether it’s learning, writing, or simply talking about music, you can discover new ideas, perspectives, and styles you wouldn’t have on your own. Playing in a band or ensemble is also a great way to supplement your practice and lessons. With all three working together, there’s little that can stand in the way of becoming a confident, skilled player.
Conclusion
Music should bring you joy, so make sure you take time to just enjoy it! Give yourself time to jam out or play some songs you love. Get together with some friends and play together or show your family what you learned. Be kind to yourself and celebrate the little wins along the way. No musician’s journey looks the same, so remember that every time you pick up your instrument, you’re sharpening your skills and growing your talent.
Thank you to our Real School of Music instructors David, Jared, Matt, Don, Jake, and Lily for sharing their top music practice tips! Meet all of our amazing music instructors.