When we first start learning music, we often set ambitious goals, such as planning to practice for 3, 4, or even 5 hours a day. While we might manage to do this for a few days or even a month, it’s more sustainable to focus on what can be achieved consistently over time. Instead of long practice sessions, we can aim for smaller wins, such as practicing for 30 to 45 minutes each day, at least 5 times a week. These shorter, more manageable practice sessions are much better for long-term progress than sporadic, lengthy sessions.
For example, when you are training for a marathon, if you start off running too fast, you will tire out within 1-2 kilometers. Maintain a steady pace and keep your speed consistent so that you can run for an extended period. This is also true when it comes to learning music; for long-term growth or progress, start small and maintain consistency.
Reflecting on my journey with learning the Piano, I realized that I had been trying too many different approaches. When we started teaching our students piano, guitar, singing, and other musical instruments, we introduced this structure, bringing the system method of practicing that helped them grow and progress more quickly. This structure enabled them to make significant progress in a short period, with 100% mindful practice. Smaller goals and small wins keep them going. Our practice routine looks something like this:
0-5minutes – Practice your Scales
5-20 minutes – Song Practice
20-25 Minutes – Scales / Chords / Arpeggios
25-35 Minutes – 5 Finger exercises
This can loop for seven repeats until you are comfortable with the songs and scales. This will strengthen your foundation and improve your basics.
When we attempt to gather information on the practice, we find that music celebrities, such as guitarist Jimi Hendrix, often held the guitar and practiced extensively, sometimes for more than 12 hours a day. If you see some articles also emphasize Pandit Bheemsen Joshi, who was a virtuoso Singer who used to practice 18 hours a day, OMG! That is a bulb on the moment. Let us know in the comment section what and how many hours you are ready to put in for your Piano, guitar, or any form of music learning!
Our students, Ayush, Buvi, Shivam, and Adamya, to name a few, excelled in learning Piano, guitar, and singing, and we were delighted to see the experience and joy of learning in them.
Suppose you want to grow as a musician. In that case, you have to block time and dedicate it to your career, whether it’s building muscle, learning to cycle, or something like learning to swim. If I never went to the swimming pool, I would never learn to swim. Similarly, if I do not spend time with the Piano, how can I learn?
Don’t set an ambitious goal that requires me to practice for 5 or 7 hours a day. Start with 5 minutes, then move to 10 minutes, and up to 45 minutes on one go. Then, take a break. If you still want to practice, then go for another 45 minutes. Repeat until you feel like doing it. If not, take a break and come back tomorrow. However, the more you show up, the more you will learn and achieve.
Every small win you achieve will move you closer to your goal, and you will be marching toward your dream of playing your musical instrument! Don’t let the motivation drive you to practice; instead, keep a time block for practice and celebrate every small win.
Small, tiny things will help me learn and keep me motivated, and I will do my best to be a great musician!