Practicing is Fun: Tips for Young Musicians

Mastering your instrument takes dedicated time and thoughtful practice. Whether you are an experienced musician or just starting, finding ways to make your practice more enjoyable can turn your routine from boring to inspiring. Here are a few creative ways to make your practice time more fun, helping you stay motivated about learning your instrument.

Practice vs. Performing

There are distinct differences between practicing and performing a musical instrument. Practice is a goal-oriented activity that requires establishing a routine, identifying areas for improvement, repetition, and providing the time and space to work on and learn from mistakes.

Performing your instrument is the time to show off what you have been working on. Whether you are taking part in a jam session or participating in a recital, performing is the time to infuse your personality and creativity into the instrument. Performing is not the time to be overly critical of yourself. If you encounter a challenging section during a performance, make a mental note to work on it during your next practice session. Practice and performance complement and rely on each other. Making time for both will help you become the best musician you can be.

Set Goals

Set clear goals for transforming your practice routine. Start by getting a notebook and creating a list of rewarding milestones. For instance, you could set goals such as mastering a new technique, reaching a new note to improve your range, or learning a challenging song. Tracking your progress with a notebook allows you to see your improvements on paper and celebrate how far you have come.

Reward System

After reaching each milestone, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This could be your favorite snack or dessert, watching your favorite TV show or movie, or taking five to ten minutes off your next session. Rewarding yourself after reaching your goal will make you more likely to strive for the next one.

Learn Your Favorite Songs

Learning your favorite songs can make practice more exciting and motivating. Start by choosing a song you love and breaking it into manageable sections. This approach allows you to focus on specific parts, such as challenging runs or intricate rhythms, and gradually build up to playing or singing the entire piece. As you feel more comfortable, start adding your personal touch and interpretation.

Shorten Your Practice Session

Determining the right amount of practice time is a personal decision. It is important to ensure that your practice is effective, which means not dreading the amount of time you need to dedicate to it. Shortening your practice sessions could motivate you to practice more frequently throughout the week. It might even help you focus more on specific areas that need work rather than addressing many things in one session.

Practice with a Friend

Call a friend and practice with them; it does not have to be someone who plays the same instrument as you. Work on a song together and practice bringing your personality to the music, making it your own. Another option is to find a friend who plays the same instrument at a similar level. Create a weekly practice schedule with them and meet at the end of the week to work out any difficulties you both may be experiencing. Playing with a friend inspires you to do your best.

Play a New Genre

Playing new genres you are unfamiliar with, such as jazz, blues, classical, electronic, or world music, can broaden your musical perspective. Each genre has unique characteristics that could help you learn about new techniques and scales.

Write Your Own Song

Writing your own song is another excellent way to practice your instrument. It allows you to put all your music theory and technical skills to use, and you might even surprise yourself with how much you have improved. Writing music also allows you to use your creativity, which is sometimes limited when sticking to a regular daily practice routine.

Use Practice Apps

There are numerous apps available to assist with your practice. Check this list of practice apps to help enhance your next practice session.

Applying the tips mentioned above can make your practice more enjoyable. Playing music should be fun and challenging, so when you find yourself getting discouraged, switch up your routine. Practice makes perfect, so it is important to tailor your practice routine to be perfect for you. To enhance your musical journey with lessons, click here.