Have you ever wondered if you or your child is really progressing through your music lessons? Everyone has those moments of doubt where they’re not sure they’re actually progressing at all. The good news is tracking musical progress doesn’t have to be either complicated or overwhelming!
As either a parent or a student, you’ve invested a significant amount of time (and perhaps money) to musical education, hoping to build talents and provide lifelong skills and enjoyment. But without an effective way of tracking progress, it can be difficult to know if that hard work is paying off.
Why Tracking Musical Progress Matters
Think of musical progression like gardening. You don’t plant seeds, ignore them for months, and then expect a bed of flowers to magically bloom.
Musical growth requires the same kind of attention and encouragement to reach full bloom!
When you actively track your progress, you’re doing much more than simply checking boxes. You’re actually building a support system that acknowledges effort, celebrates achievement, and identifies areas where more work may be requires for continued improvement.
The Benefits of Active Progress Monitoring
Regular progress tracking offers many advantages for any music student. For one, it helps identify patterns in learning style and practice habits. Do you struggle with morning music sessions, but do better in the evening? Insights like these help boost the learning experience.
Secondly, tracking progress allows for more effective communication with your music instructor. When you have specific observations about your practice sessions and your challenges, a teacher can help you adjust your tactics accordingly.
Progress Tracking Method 1: Recording
One the very best ways to track musical progress is through video recordings. After each practice session, play your favourite piece, or perhaps what you’ve been working on lately. Over time, this simple practice will create a visual and auditory record of your progress.
Setting Up
There’s no need to go all out with your recording equipment; your smartphone or tablet is perfect. The key is to be consistent with your recordings, rather than the quality of the recording.
Create a designated space where lighting and acoustics are reasonably good, and try to use it every time your record. This consistency will help you focus on the progress you’re making rather than any distractions caused by a changing environment.
What to Look For
When reviewing recording over a period of time, there are a few key factors to pay attention to. First, listen for improvements in both timing and rhythm. Are you playing more steadily with the beat? Next, watch for changes in technique and finger position. Are your movements becoming more confident and fluid?
Finally, keep an eye out for posture and confidence. New students may begin by hunching over their instruments, but start to sit taller and prouder over time.
Recordings like these are a powerful indicator of overall musical progress.
Method 2: Practice Chart
A practice chart acts like a roadmap for any student’s musical journey. It offers structure, accountability, and a clear visual path for learning. The key benefits of using a practice chart are its simplicity and the sense of achievement it can offer.
Creating Your Practice Chart
Start with a simple weekly grid with days of the week across the top and your practice goals along the side. Add in some space for practice times, songs worked on, and and challenges you encounter.
Your chart should also reflect the instrument you play and your learning goals. For example, a vocal student may want to track vocal exercises separately from when they practice a song. Similarly, a flute student might wish to focus on breath control and finger placement drills.
Routine & Accountability
The most important aspect of a practice chart isn’t the chart itself, but the routine it encourages. No matter your age, when you physically mark off your practice session, you’re reinforcing positive habits and owning your musical growth. The act of physically checking boxes creates a psychological reward that pushes you to keep practicing.
Celebrate Milestones
Make sure to build celebration points into your chart. Perhaps a full week of practice earns you a special treat, or maybe you take yourself out after a month of solid practice. These rewards don’t have to be big or expensive; they just need to acknowledge the effort going into musical growth.
Method 3: Communication With Music Teachers
When it comes right down to it, your music teacher is the best source for tracking your musical progress. They offer professional expertise, observation, and experience–each of which can compliment your at-home tracking efforts. Regular and effective communication with your teacher will keep you on the proper path forward.
Establish Lines of Communication
Each music teacher has their own preferences when it comes to how they communicate with their students. Some like short check-in emails, others prefer to take time before or after a formal lesson. It’s best to discuss what works best for you and your teacher.
Once those line of communication are open, it’s important to ask specific questions about your progress. Ask about specific techniques or where you should focus your practice time. Questions like these provide actionable answers you can work on at home.
Closing Thoughts
Tracking your progress isn’t just about finding areas where you can improve; it’s also about recognizing and celebrating your growth and achievements.
Creating a culture of celebration around even relatively small musical accomplishments builds and reinforces positive feelings associated with learning music.
Want to start (or continue) your musical journey? The Music Studio offer a wide variety of classes, private lessons, ensembles, and even summer camps! Learn more and sign up today!