It’s happened to all of us. We set our instruments down for just a moment, promising ourselves we’ll pick them back up soon. But days turn into weeks, and that elusive motivation seems to vanish into thin air. As musicians, we understand the importance of practice, but finding the time can often feel like an impossible task.
Believe it or not, a big part of learning an instrument is learning how to practice. We as music teachers are here to help you build the perfect practice routine that will make the best use of your time, even if you only have 5 minutes! Whether you’re setting up a practice routine for yourself, or you’re helping someone else develop their practice routine, including the following 3 concepts into a practice routine will lead to fast improvement. That being said, we encourage everyone to schedule in practice times for the first few weeks of implementing a practice routine. Find time every day that you can dedicate even just 5 minutes to actively improving on your instrument, and schedule it in so that you have guilt-free practice time. Parents, help your kids schedule this time in, as they’re often the ones that need the most help to build a good practice routine. We can’t just assume that they’ll one day find the motivation to practice their instrument, as we know how hard that can be even as adults! If you or your kids are enrolled in music lesson, make sure that you have a clear understanding of specifically what you should be practicing that week before you leave your lesson. If you’re unsure, always feel free to ask your instructor!
Now let’s get into how to build the perfect practice routine!
Practice Concept 1: Building Technique
The foundation of any great musician lies in solid technique. Whether you’re just starting or have been playing for years, there’s always something new to learn. Dedicate a portion of your practice time to hone in on specific techniques. This could be scales, arpeggios, finger exercises, or anything that challenges your dexterity and control. For example, if you’re a guitarist, focus on alternate picking or chord transitions. If you’re a pianist, work on hand independence or fluidity in your movements.
Remember, the key is not to rush through these exercises but to focus on precision and control. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Even just 10-15 minutes of dedicated technical practice can make a world of difference in your playing over time.
Practice Concept 2: Practicing Performable Pieces
Now, let’s talk about practicing pieces you can perform. It’s tempting to dive headfirst into playing your favorite songs at full speed, but slow and steady wins the race. Choose a piece you’re comfortable with but aim to perfect it by practicing slowly. Break the piece down into smaller sections and work on each one meticulously. Always aim to be working towards finishing pieces and getting them to a performable level. The more pieces you learn, the more inspiration you’ll have to draw from.
Focus on dynamics, phrasing, and expression, paying close attention to every nuance of the music. Use a metronome to maintain a steady tempo and gradually increase the speed as you master each section. This methodical approach not only improves your accuracy but also builds muscle memory, making it easier to play the piece flawlessly at faster speeds.
Remember, the goal here is quality over quantity. Even if you only have a limited amount of time to practice, prioritize this focused, slow practice. It’s far more effective than mindlessly running through a piece at full speed.
Practice Concept 3: Enjoyment and Creativity
Finally, never forget to indulge in the joy of making music. After all, isn’t that why we picked up our instruments in the first place? Set aside some time in your practice routine to play whatever you want, however you want. Whether it’s improvising over a chord progression, jamming with friends, or simply playing your favourite song, let your creativity flow.
This part of your practice is all about enjoyment and exploration. Don’t worry about making mistakes or sticking to a rigid structure. Just let the music take you wherever it wants to go. Whether you have five minutes or an hour, savour this time and relish in the sheer pleasure of playing.
In the end, the perfect practice routine is one that strikes a balance between discipline and enjoyment. Dedicate time to building your technique, focus on perfecting performable pieces through slow, deliberate practice, and never forget to have fun along the way. Remember, it’s not about how much time you have, but how effectively you use it. So pick up that instrument, start practicing, and watch yourself grow as a musician. Happy practicing!
If you’re interested in connecting with an instructor to help build a practice plan that’s perfect for you, book a no-commitment trial lesson by clicking the button below!