
In this blog, I want to dive into something crucial for every pianist: making piano practice a priority. If it’s not at the top of your to-do list, it can be incredibly hard – maybe even impossible – to find the time to practice. So, let’s pause for a moment and take an honest look at your daily routine.
What does your to-do list look like? Does piano practice even make the cut? Whether it’s work, self-care, errands, or exercise, where does piano time fall? Is it buried somewhere near the bottom, or is it a priority every day? And are your weekdays and weekends different in terms of what makes the cut?
If practicing piano isn’t on your list, or if it’s buried low on it, let’s explore why that might be and how we can change that. The first step is to reflect on how important learning the piano is to you. If it’s something you genuinely want to do, the only way to improve is through consistent practice. That’s the bottom line. But how do you get there? Let’s figure that out.
Think about how you motivate yourself to tackle tasks you might not love – like house cleaning, exercise, or paying bills. These aren’t always fun, but there’s a sense of accomplishment once they’re done. How do you get those things done? Maybe it’s setting a deadline, tracking your progress, or simply knowing that completing them will make you feel better in the end.
For me, piano practice often feels a lot like exercise. Sometimes, it’s hard to stay consistent. But what helps me is setting clear goals and tracking my progress. That gives me motivation, and the same strategy can work for you. If you’re struggling to make piano practice a priority, try this: schedule a clear time for it every day. Having a specific time slot can make a big difference.
Another motivator for me is upcoming performances. There’s nothing like the pressure of a deadline to get you into practice mode. What if you did something similar? If you’re just starting out, you could set a date to play your piece for a friend or family member. That small performance could be the reason you stick to your practice routine. And if you’re taking lessons, having new material to master by next week is a powerful motivator.
Now, I want you to take a moment and evaluate your practice priorities. If piano is currently low on your list, try moving it up this week. Whether you're a to-do list person or not, adding piano practice to your day will make it feel more like a non-negotiable part of your routine.
If you're not a fan of lists, consider making a simple appointment with yourself for practice. By setting a specific time each day, you’ll begin to prioritize your playing, and trust me – the more you practice, the more you’ll improve. And as your skills grow, you’ll naturally want to play more.
So, make this week the one where piano becomes a priority. I promise, with small changes, you'll start to see big results.
Cynthia Ali, NCTM
Nationally Certified Teacher of Music
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