Life is busy. Even here in the middle of a pandemic, when we’re spending a lot more time at home, it can seem as if there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Yet this time in history is also doing something else to our goals and desires; it’s giving us a chance to determine what’s most important in our lives.
For many, this is a chance to touch base with what’s most important, what nurtures your soul and helps reduce stress. For many, that includes learning to play the piano.
But that doesn’t come without a whole lot of piano practice. And if you’ve ever tried it before, you know that playing the piano doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it takes a lifetime to master.
How do you ensure your piano practice helps you achieve your goals?
Schedule your piano practice
You go to work or school at the same time every day. You sit down for dinner with your family at a prescheduled time. You make appointments for the dentist or doctor. Let’s face it, our lives work best when we schedule it.
Why should piano practice be any different?
If you play at the same time every day, it will become a normal part of your routine. Try using it as a wakeup strategy, to help you add creativity to your day. Or play right before or after dinner. Choose a time that works well with your schedule, and helps you enjoy the experience rather than feel rushed to fit it in.
Give yourself a time slot
Don’t just sit down at a specific time, ensure you have a specific time slot for uninterrupted practice as well.
Households are busy, and with lots of commotion, it’s easy to get distracted from the task at hand. Put away all distractions, such as your smartphone. Use a timer so you won’t be watching the clock.
Establish a practice routine
Top athletes know before any workout, you need to warmup, practice, and cool down.
To musicians follow the same routine. Spend the first few minutes of your practice session with a warmup routine – scales are a good bet to get your fingers moving. Then spend the middle section with core practice. Set goals at the start of each week and track how much you learn. Then finish by playing what you enjoy. This is the perfect way to unwind and let go of stress.
Piano practice doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, if you learn just a few tricks the top pianists use to stay on track, you’ll love what you do even more.
