Friday, January 31, 2014

Creating the Practice Habit

So...you want to start playing the piano? Or you want to give your child lessons? I hate to break it to you, but the success is going to depend on ONE main thing. PRACTICE. Yes, the old, completely played out Carnegie Hall joke is true.

So how do we create the habit of practice? I'm going to suggest four different things: time, location, regularity, and mind-body state.

Time: Practice the same time every day! Some students practice the best in the morning, some in the afternoon, some in the evening. This may have to do with your schedule, or your personality. But if you are having a hard time maintaining this, you just might be a morning person and not know it! I have a good friend who swears by morning practice, but is in no way a "morning person". It is just when her brain is the most primed.

Location: Practice in a place that is YOURS. It should be away from distractions, but not tucked away in a depressing, dark corner. Windows work great for practicing, televisions don't. Framed art near your piano may be inspiring. Perhaps even a meaningful memento near your piano! If you are looking for lessons for your child, emphasize that the piano is theirs, and as such, they should treat it nicely and with respect. Put it in a place where it will often be seen.

Regularity: This is more important than length of practicing. Five days a week with half an hour is much better than two days a week for an hour. Those shorter sessions may be much more concentrated and mindful. And it is much easier to create a habit if you're doing something nearly every day! This is especially important for children. I used to practice immediately after getting home every day, even before homework!

Mind-Body State: Approach the practice sessions when happy! Leave the practice sessions when happy! This will encourage you to continue with this habit and put whatever you've done in your session in your mind much more efficiently!

Even three of these is going to go quite a long ways towards to creating the habit of practicing! Good luck! It's worth it...