Like anything else in life worth doing, learning to make music takes time, effort, and lots and lots of practice. In fact, a passionate musician never stops practicing, including your favourite recording artists too! Rihanna, for example, works with a vocal coach to ensure her voice stays in top condition. Imagine Dragons practices before every show. Even the Rolling Stones still get together to hold band practice! You can’t expect to progress without putting in the effort of practicing. Like any other skill, you’ll lose it if you don’t use it. And with it, all the benefits that you gain from practicing music.
That said, it can be challenging to find the time to practice or make that time worthwhile when you do find it.
Try these tips to supercharge your practice sessions.
5 Tips for Practicing Music
Find a Quiet Space for Practicing Music
This might seem obvious, but a quiet area specifically set aside for practicing music helps with distractions. Furthermore, it helps build the proper mindset. Whether it’s a whole room dedicated to music or just one small corner of a larger living space, a quiet area for practicing music is ideal.
It’s not always easy, but find the best place to practice without distraction and go there daily. Creating and maintaining a practice routine that includes the same spot every day makes it into a sort of ritual. A practice ritual will keep you progressing and eager for your next session.
Use, But Don’t Abuse, Technology
Modern technology is a wonderful thing. Once, depending on the instrument you played, you could need a metronome, an electronic tuner, a timer, and any other tools and devices to practice regularly and effectively. Now, all those things, plus more add-ons and features than you need, can all be found on your phone for little or no cost.
Of course, other non-music related smartphone apps can be a terrible distraction while you’re supposed to be working on your art.
If you choose to bring the wonders of your phone into your practice space, stay mindful of how much time you spend on the device and how much time you spend practicing music.
Set Goals
Sitting down and just playing through your music is different from practicing. To have a productive practice session, you must know what you want to accomplish each time you pick up your instrument. This can be tricky; musical newcomers may need help deciding what to focus on first. Don’t be afraid to ask your music teacher for a few solid goals to work towards for the next lesson.
Remember, your goals will probably differ from other students. One example is how the music style you want to play can impact how you set goals and practice. For instance, jazz and rock n’ roll require a strong knowledge and understanding of scales for soloing. On the other hand, classical orchestral musicians need to focus more on learning to interpret the written music in front of them. Because of these subtle differences, a jazz cellist’s practice routine and session goals might differ significantly from a classical cellist’s.
Plan Your Practice
Many successful musicians plan out every step of each of their practice sessions–like a workout routine. Many people begin their practice sessions with stretches and breathing exercises. This allows their bodies and lungs to warm up before picking up their instruments.
Of course, you don’t have to go that far if you don’t want to, but it’s wise to start with some scales to warm up yourself and your instrument. From there, move on to the actual working and practicing music part of your session. Concentrate on your difficulties, figure out the why and how of things, and work towards your goals. From there, try improvisation or even older, familiar music to cool down with.
Add in Some Physical Challenges
This suggestion might be more “out there.” Let’s say you need help with some element of a new song. One way to help you master that problem area might be to practice it while standing on one leg! Far-fetched, perhaps, but science backs it up. Research has shown that if you add a physical element to a difficult task you are trying to master, your brain will start to form entirely new neural pathways for that task.
Basically, if you add a physical element to something you’re struggling with, you make it harder than it should be for your brain. Later, when you remove that physical challenge, the original task will be easier than before. Give it a try!
Remember to Reward Yourself & Have Fun!
Everyone wants to be good at something, but it’s far more important to love the things you do!
Therefore, it’s important to remember that although you will face challenges and difficulties playing, music is meant to be fun! So don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done. There’s no need to go overboard after every practice session. Still, a little ice cream or your favourite movie after you’ve completed a particularly difficult or problematic section can give you a moral boost.
Practicing Music: Final Thoughts
Practicing music is at least (if not far more) important than music lessons. Most student, especially those out of school, are with their music teachers only once a week. But if you’re practicing every day, you’re with your instrument seven days a week! Lessons are where students are introduced to knew concepts and techniques. Practice is where those new concepts and techniques are internalized and truly understood. Therefore, if you goal is to improve your musical skills, make the effort to maximize your practice routine!
Looking for someone to get you started with those new concepts and techniques? The Music Studio has a huge range of programs, lessons, and bands for all ages and skill levels. Check out everything we offer and sign up today!
