“You only need to practice on the days that you eat.”
We are so busy these days. Between work schedules, raising children, school, and daily chores, there hardly seems to be time to focus. So, how do you make time for practicing music when your schedule already seems filled?
Many parents and students ask me this question nearly every day. I never hesitate to answer this question. Here are my top 4 tips for anyone working to fit a daily practice into their life.
Number 1: Put it in Your Daily Routine.
Daily routines are more likely to get done than plans that you hope to get to “sometime.” Block off specific times for practice directly into your daily routine. Five minutes every day, during your bedtime routine. Bath time, pj’s, brush teeth, play a song and read a book. Many of my students practice in the morning before they leave for school, putting their practice time right in there with eating breakfast. Some like to practice after they complete their homework and before dinner and television. For some, time over the weekend when there’s no school may work best. Make it a “part” of your daily routine. Easy peasy!
Number 2: Quality over Quantity
The amount of time is nowhere nearly as significant as the quality of the practice session. Spend quality time where you are focused and drill through difficult passages. Pay close attention to the details. At the end of that time, you’ll have accomplished far more than you did non-focused time. Shorter, high-quality practice sessions will add up and make a big difference in your progress. If you don’t work on any of the difficult sections, and just “play through your songs,” the problematic parts may not improve.
Number 3: Let music fill your daily life.
Do vocal exercises while you wash the dishes. Practice quietly tapping rhythms while walking to your destinations. If the people in your life are the reason your schedule is so full, see if there’s a way you can share music with them. Learn to play a simple duet with your child, pick a concert as your next date night destination, or trade playlists with your co-workers.
Number 4: Decide to Make Music a Priority
If you are still struggling to fit in practice time, then it’s time to make a decision. Music lessons are extremely beneficial to social and motor development, self-esteem, mental and social growth, and can open up many opportunities. With the help of a great music school and a little bit of time management, keeping music in your life is possible.
Keeping music in your daily routine is more than just knowing how to strike a bow on a cello or what keys to press on a piano. It’s about having a skill that allows you to express yourself! It helps to keep your life full of art, beauty and balance. You can play music at any age and for your whole life. You will be glad you did.