When you think about the best part of being a musician, it’s probably not hours of scales and finger exercises. Most of us would much rather be performing, jamming with friends, or playing our favorite songs. But even if practice isn’t the most exciting part of the journey, it’s the foundation that builds real skill, confidence, and musical growth. The good news is that practice doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right approach, it can become productive, motivating, and even enjoyable.

Here are some tips to make practice time more effective:

• Keep practice sessions realistic. Especially when you’re starting out, don’t aim for long, exhausting sessions. Short, manageable practice times help you stay focused and prevent burnout, making it easier to keep a positive attitude toward playing.
• Balance technical work with real music. Scales and exercises are important, but they shouldn’t be the only thing you play. Incorporating songs you enjoy keeps you inspired and reminds you why you chose your instrument in the first place.
• Choose music that challenges you. It’s great to play songs that feel comfortable, but mix in pieces that stretch your skills just a little. Over time, those once-difficult passages will become much easier, and you’ll see real progress.
• Set clear goals. Give yourself specific targets—daily, weekly, and monthly. It might be practicing scales for a set amount of time, reaching a new tempo, or learning a particular song by a certain date. Achieving one goal creates momentum for the next.
• Make goals attainable but not too easy. If goals are too simple, you won’t grow. If they’re too difficult, you can become frustrated. Aim for a balance that pushes you while still feeling achievable.
• Be consistent. Regular practice, even in shorter sessions, leads to more improvement than occasional long ones. Consistency strengthens skills, builds muscle memory, and creates steady progress.

Practice may not be the most glamorous part of being a musician, but it’s the pathway to everything you want to do—performing, creating, teaching, and enjoying music at a higher level. With smart habits and steady effort, you’ll be amazed at how far your playing can go.

Keep up the great work and keep having fun!    Dawn Elmer, Academy Director