Practice for Life! And Make Some Music!

Taking music lessons develops a joy of music that can last a lifetime.  The first step is setting expectations.  Some students catch on quickly, but for most, it takes a few months for results to start showing.  By no means is the latter less talented; people are just different.   Especially at the beginning, Practice is essential.  Expect to practice four days a week and make “steady” progress.  The music will come.  So this is about 2 or 3 hours a week; without practice, progress will come slowly (if at all).

How to start?  Of course, I recommend getting an awesome teacher with a good reputation.  Ask friends where their children are taking lessons and how they are doing.  Most of the time, students will get a book that will start them along their journey of learning music.  Again, most students progress quickly while it is “easy” and don’t need to practice too much.  This is okay, but practice is still important.  Practice is an excellent habit to get into.  There are online apps and videos that can be good for students who are self-motivated.  I would recommend playing for a teacher once in a while to make sure bad habits are not developing.  The best thing to do is set a lesson or practice schedule with some goals… maybe learning three new songs or finishing the book.  It is essential to start with some goals.

Most music is taught from a traditional (classical) or contemporary (pop) point of view.  There is nothing wrong with learning both.  It is good for all of us who enjoy music to learn a little about different styles and genres.  Learning chords, improvisation, and reading are all musicianship skills students need to develop.  Don’t be afraid to try new things.  I often ask students in traditional lessons if they are learning anything themselves online, and they often admit they are.  It is usually fun, and we work on that music during the lesson.

Back to practice. Of course, students need to learn their songs (e.g., notes).  But practice should also include building technique.  By definition, “Technique” is “how we do something”.  People with good technique hold their instruments properly and/or use their body (or fingers) efficiently.  Of course, their music will sound better because they are using the correct technique.  Proper technique also avoids strains and makes the music easier to play.  So, it is important to practice playing the correct notes, rhythm, and chords, along with the correct technique, to make playing enjoyable.

Speaking of enjoyable, some students want to move right into a particular song they want to learn without realizing that is a couple of years down the road.  Be willing to learn “similar” pieces or an easier arrangement of a piece.  I used to hate arrangements, but if Fur Elise will get a student practicing with good technique, there are “easy” arrangements available that fit the bill.   This is also where a teacher can be helpful because they have the experiences and resources that can match the student's skill level.

Setting expectations, goals, and practice schedules keep students on the right path in learning music. No matter what your instrument or skill level, have a passion and a commitment for what you do.  I often tell my students they are like painters.  Professional painters paint every day and have a garage full of old paintings (their practice).  We need to do the same. 

Get up every day and make some music!