Developing Good Habits
Whether you are starting to learn an instrument or already have years of practice under your belt, you should know the importance of good habits and a good space to improve focus. Having a goal to work towards could look like anything, from the time you set aside for practice to the space where you practice and what you practice. These are some habits that are known to give you motivation and foster consistency in your daily life as a musician.
When you are trying to establish a time, you should choose a time that works for you and strive to stay consistent with it. The reason for this is you want to teach yourself how to show up for your practice and dedicate your time to learning. It’s closely related to studying any subject or even training for a sport. Give it a couple of weeks, and it becomes a habit; give it a couple of months, and it becomes an integral part of your life.
The next one is space – where do you practice? I’ve had a student tell me they practiced on the floor in their closet. Generally, you want to have a spot where you can focus and have fewer distractions. For example, if your chair is too high, the guitar can slip from your lap, or if you sit on the floor, you can develop poor posture while you perform. For guitar (depending on whether you use a guitar strap), you should use a chair along with a music stand and a metronome. This generally makes practicing more enjoyable because there are fewer distractions, and the learning process becomes smoother.
Lastly, you should have a solid idea of what to practice, or practice with a goal in mind. I’ve been guilty of forgetting what to work on when I get home. Does that sound familiar? This is something every student struggles with at the beginning of their music journey. It’s usually a good idea to keep a practice journal to track your progress, keep notes on what you and your teacher worked on, and organize assignments. I learned this from a former teacher, and it changed my practice routine during my time at the university. Learning to keep a practice journal is worth it because you will learn faster as you continue to improve and stay organized. Additionally, you get to see your milestones along the way and recognize how far you’ve come.
In conclusion, to stay organized, motivated, and consistent, you need a good space to practice, find a suitable practice time and stick with it, and practice with a goal in mind.
