Learning music can be like learning a language. Sometimes, the process of learning the language can be easy, sometimes, it isn’t always as easy. It takes time, patience and work. In regard to the learning of how to make music on an instrument, many myths have developed. With many myths, there may be a hint of truth. But there are plenty of things in regard to it that can be debunked.
Following a myth can lead to slowed or stunted progress and can definitely lead to a world of frustration! These things, added together, can lead to a lack of desire to practice, lack of progress which can culminate in a desire to quit lessons and a negative attitude toward music or lessons.
So, what this post will do is to break down some of these myths and see what you can do instead to help bring progress, fun and joy to something that can be drudgery and work.
Time and Practice Duration
- Myth: You need to practice for hours every day to improve.
- Fact: Short, consistent, and focused practice sessions (15-30 minutes daily) are more effective than long, unfocused ones.
- Tip: Set a timer and focus on specific goals for each session.
Mistakes and Learning
- Myth: Mistakes should be avoided at all costs.
- Fact: Mistakes are essential for identifying areas that need improvement.
- Tip: Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities and isolate trouble spots for targeted practice.
Talent vs. Effort
- Myth: Natural talent is more important than practice.
- Fact: Consistent and intentional practice leads to more progress than relying on talent alone.
- Tip: Focus on effort and persistence rather than comparing yourself to others.
Practice Techniques
- Myth: Practicing means playing from start to finish.
- Fact: Effective practice involves breaking down challenging sections and focusing on problem areas.
- Tip: Use techniques like slow practice, hands-separately practice, and repetition to master difficult parts.
Memorization and Review
- Myth: Once you memorize a piece, you don’t need to practice it anymore.
- Fact: Regularly reviewing pieces strengthens memory and refines interpretation.
- Tip: Schedule review sessions for previously learned pieces to maintain accuracy and expression.
Fun and Motivation in Practice
- Myth: Practicing is boring.
- Fact: Practice can be fun with creative approaches and goal-setting.
- Tip: Incorporate games, challenges, and rewards to make practice enjoyable.
There are probably many other myths out there in regard to practice, but these are the ones that stand out quite clearly. You don’t have to set a timer to track practice. It can be helpful, but it is not the most essential. In fact, instead of focusing for 45 consecutive minutes, 3 times of a solid 15 minute focus can be better! And yes, practice can be boring, but incorporating challenges and games can make it fun! A great way is to take a dice, roll it, and whatever the number is that comes up is the number of times to review a specific section. There’s lots of fun challenges that you can creatively give yourself!
As musicians, our goal is to grow and improve. The reality is that it is work and it is challenging. The more you can creatively practice and challenge yourself, along with finding ways to make it a game, the more you will want to continue and not be bored, frustrated and find yourself not progressing.
So, if you’re a student, check out how you’re practicing and see if there are creative things that you can implement in your practice routine. If you’re a parent of a music student, help them find creative ways to practice, so that it is fun and enjoyable for them!
To check out another post about practice, click here!
Here’s a video about practicing!