Begin!
One of the biggest challenges to begin any new habit is to simply begin! Learning something well demands that you develop a practice. Once you are sitting on the bench, it is easy to spend at least a few minutes there.
Schedule practice time in your calendar
Reserve a time that works best for your schedule. Remember that quality is always more important than quantity, so be sure that the time you schedule is as free of distraction as possible. Turn off your phone for a few minutes and remain fully present with the task at hand.
If possible, break your sessions into segments
Start with a warm up. This can include scales, arpeggios, technique exercises, or simply a well known piece that gets your fingers moving. Next, move to your more intense work. Finally, run your pieces, play something fun, improvise, or sight read old favorites. Ending on a light note ensures you will want to come back for more.
Listen to your piece with scores, or simply listen
A large part of studying the instrument is using your ears. In classical music, it is very interesting to listen to different interpretations of the same piece of work. One of my old professors noted that during lockdown many of his students did not have access to a piano, so they went right to score reading and analysis. Listening to a wide range of music with mindfulness is incredibly helpful when developing complete piano skills.
Start slow and be meticulous with fingerings
It is so tempting to try to bulldoze through a piece. It saves so much time to take things slowly from the start and analyze your score by checking the key signature and writing out careful fingerings. Another tip is to break apart tricky spots by taking them out of the score, analyzing them and troubleshooting challenges. Of course, this is where a teacher comes in handy!
Record your practice sessions with a phone
My current mentor has emphasized this practice tip. Recording yourself allows you to look at yourself more objectively when not in the moment. Sometimes our perception of how we sound is very different from reality. You can also send these recordings as little gifts to family and friends. I have been amazed at the power of sharing music in this medium.
Try a challenge
Best selling author, blogger and artist Austin Kleon also plays the piano and blogs about it. His motto is "Practice More, Suck Less". I absolutely love this. It does take practice to be good at the piano, when you think about it, most endeavors worth anything do take work.
He even has a 30 day piano challenge:
If you are successful with the 30 day challenge - keep going! Try the 100 day challenge to create one tiny beautiful thing every day. This was thoughtfully developed by Suleika Jaouad when faced with a cancer diagnosis. .
https://theisolationjournals.substack.com/p/the-100-day-project-is-here
I tell my students that practicing is like climbing a mountain. The road to the top can be arduous at times, but when you make it to the top, there is nothing like taking in the view and appreciating and reflecting upon the process. Remember, oftentimes the process is more rewarding than the result!
What are some things that help you create meaningful practice?
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