Effective Practice Habits

Here at Practice Space, we pride ourselves on helping music instructors to the mechanics, components, and skills of being a good musician, along with helping a new generation grow with and love music. We believe that any student, at any age, can learn to play an instrument and learn to play it well. Whether you are an adult and you’ve always wanted to learn how to play the piano, or you are looking for an instructor to provide your child with cello lessons, there is a teacher for you amongst the Practice Space community. What better way to start off the new year than with a meaningful new skill?

The Value of Practice

Since our app is based on facilitating student practice at home, we are of course starting out by mentioning how important it is to practice (it is in our name, after all!). Many people who have never been in music lessons are amazed at the amount of practice that it takes to become proficient at an instrument. However, just like with sports, speaking a second language, or learning a trade, gaining the ability to play a musical instrument well takes a huge amount of practice.

In fact, practice is, arguably, as important as classroom instruction because it’s during those moments of practice that everything a student has learned is set in stone and cemented into their memory. When the first components of music learning are mastered, the teacher is able to build off of it and help the student reach new heights.

We simply can’t overemphasize the importance of practice for any student pursuing a musical education. However, we understand that some students — especially those who don’t have any kind of musical background or experience — might not know how to practice effectively. Let’s discuss some of the best and most effective habits for successful music practice.

Consistency

One of the most important components to successful practice sessions is consistency. Consistent practice happens on a daily basis, usually at the same time each day, with an allotted time set aside for it. We’ve found that when practice sessions are too long — over an hour — students often encounter a burnout. When you can keep your practice regular, consistent, and not overly long, the results of your practice will be evident to your music teacher. 

Commitment

As with anything that you have to learn, the process of learning an instrument can sometimes feel tedious or laborious. But when you’re committed to learning your instrument, you’ll be able to get through even the most uneventful portions of practice. It’s when you’ve mastered the basics that you’ll be ready for the more complex components.

Challenge Yourself

Nothing that is worth doing happens instantly and learning to play an instrument is certainly no exception. Becoming proficient at the guitar, cello, violin, or any other instrument, relies heavily on muscle memory, mental perseverance, and the ability to challenge oneself to stick with it. Trust us, you won’t regret it when you can play a beautiful and complex song on your instrument of choice.