As we step into a brand new year, there’s no better time to reflect on your piano journey and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate player, or somewhere in between, taking the time to assess where you've been and where you'd like to go can be incredibly valuable for your growth as a musician.
January offers a fresh start and a sense of renewed energy, making it the perfect moment to either begin or restart your piano lessons. If you've been thinking about starting piano, now is the time to dive in. Whether you’re just beginning or getting back into it after a break, setting your intentions and creating a clear plan for the year ahead can make all the difference.
Reflecting on the Year Gone By
Looking back on my own piano practice in 2024, I’ve learned so much—not just about playing the piano, but about the lifelong journey of being a learner. Each year, I make it a point to review my progress, reflect on the pieces I’ve worked on, and set new goals for the upcoming year. This process is important for all adult learners, not just teachers, as it helps us keep progressing and learning.
For me, 2024 was all about the music of Edvard Grieg. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring his pieces, and I’ll continue to dive deeper into his work in 2025. Grieg’s music is emotionally rich and challenging in texture, which keeps me engaged and excited to keep learning. If you're working on your own pieces, I encourage you to find a composer or set of pieces that resonate with you. Having a clear focus can really help keep you motivated, especially when life gets busy.
Another exciting part of learning the piano is discovering new music. Recently, I stumbled upon "Spanish Dance" by Manuel de Falla. I was so captivated by it that I printed it out immediately. There’s always something new to uncover with the piano, whether it's a fresh sound, a challenging technical passage, or a composer you’ve never explored before.
Setting Goals for 2025
As you look ahead to your piano practice in 2025, setting clear goals will be key. One of the best ways to grow as a musician is to approach learning piano with a structured mindset. It’s important to break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones so that you can make steady progress.
Think about the following questions as you plan for the year:
What do I want to achieve this year? Whether it’s mastering a specific piece, improving technique, or building your musicality, setting specific goals will give your practice direction.
How will I structure my practice sessions? Building a regular routine is crucial for making progress. Try to dedicate time each week to practice and focus on different areas, from technical exercises to repertoire.
What challenges do I want to tackle? Whether it’s mastering a tricky piece or improving your sight-reading, identifying challenges early on will help you stay motivated and focused.
Tips for Your Piano Journey
If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few steps you can take to begin 2025 on the right note:
Set up a learning space: If you’re just beginning, creating a dedicated, comfortable space to practice can make a huge difference in your progress. Make sure you have all the essentials, from a well-tuned piano to a comfortable seat.
Practice with a metronome: A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing rhythm and timing. Try incorporating it into your practice routine to help you play more steadily and confidently.
Learn basic chords: Understanding basic chords is a key foundation for playing more complex pieces and improving your technical skills. Consider taking the time to explore different chord progressions and their applications in various styles of music.
Push past obstacles: It’s common to encounter barriers that may hold you back from consistent practice, such as lack of time, motivation, or feeling stuck. Recognize these obstacles and create solutions to overcome them.
Reflecting on Your Journey
To help you reflect on 2024 and set goals for 2025, I’ve created a helpful PDF filled with reflection questions and space for you to jot down your thoughts. This tool will guide you through your past achievements, as well as help you set clear intentions for your piano journey in the new year. You can download the PDF here and get started on your reflection.
Making 2025 a Year of Growth and Progress
This year, I’m excited to continue growing alongside all of you. Piano learning is a lifelong journey, and there’s always something new to discover. I encourage you to embrace the challenges, celebrate your victories, and stay focused on your goals.
Let’s make 2025 a year full of progress, learning, and beautiful music. Grab your reflection PDF here, set your goals, and let's embark on a year of musical growth together!
Keep practicing the piano and enjoying music!
Cynthia Ali, NCTM
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
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