The only way to get better at something is to practice, right? Practicing your instrument regularly is crucial if you are to improve and reach your full musical potential – but what if you simply don’t enjoy it? What if practicing becomes something you dread, just another chore that takes away from hanging out with friends and family?
We’ve come up with a couple of tips that’ll help you make music practice fun.
Tip 1: Keep practice sessions short and goal-orientated
You’ve just spent the whole day at work or school, and to be honest, there’s nothing you’d prefer to do than veg out on the couch and catch up on your favourite TV shows. You’ve earned a bit of R and R, but that doesn’t mean you should skip your practice session entirely.
By keeping your practice session short – 15 to 20 minutes – you can have your cake and eat it too. We also suggest setting a goal, something like play the piece you’ve been working on without making a mistake. Then, when you achieve that goal, you can feel good about putting down your instrument and doing something else.
Tip 2: Encourage your child if they are struggling
Maybe it’s your child that groans at the thought of practicing their scales. The first thing to do is stop saying things like: “I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but it’s time to practice.” This sheds a negative light on practicing music, something that is ultimately supposed to be fun.
Instead, encourage them every step of the way. If it isn’t perfect, don’t fret! Give them space and time to improve – playing music is hard. Be their biggest cheerleader, boost their self-esteem, and get involved. Perhaps you could organise an at-home concert, so your child can showcase what they’ve been working on.
Tip 3: Make time to practice passion pieces
It can be tiring practicing scales and historic compositions day in and day out. If you’re feeling bored or unmotivated, it might be time to learn a passion piece, one of your favourite songs.
Purchase an arrangement with downloadable music, and be sure to set aside time each week to work on it.
Tip 4: Experiment
Music is full of rules, but when you’re at home, break them. Follow your curiosities. If you find yourself thinking, “What would happen if I did that?” do it!
Remember, experimentation is the first step in composing a masterpiece. Learning the rules is extremely important, but not just because they allow you to perform with others and develop proper playing technique. Knowing the rules allows you to break them with purpose.
Are your lessons letting you down?
Maybe you’re not having fun practicing your instrument because your music teacher is uninspiring, and your music lessons rigid. If that’s the case, it’s time to look elsewhere. Here at the Liverpool Academy of Music, we offer a whole range of top-quality music lessons, including singing lessons. Get in touch today to learn more.
