The truth is, probably less than you think, but more consistently than you are.
Research into learning new skills is clear: frequency of practice matters more than the duration of each session. Fifteen minutes of focused practice of any skill produces better results than longer, but more sporadic sessions.
Let’s take a look at how much you actually need to practice–and how often.
The Research of Practice & Skill
The single most important finding of practice researchers is all about consistency over volume. A large meta-analysis of studies from 2014 found that while deliberate, focused practice explained a large portion of performance differences between individuals on any given skill, the distribution of that practice time was at least as important as the number of hours. Practicing daily builds muscle memory and neural pathways in the brain far more effectively than periodic, longer sessions.
You’ve probably heard the idea that it takes 10,000 hours to master something. That concept comes from K. Anders Ericsson’s research, and is often misunderstood. The key finding was that elite musicians practiced in focused, deliberately structured sessions, with specific goals–not that they simply logged hours.
Practice Time & Duration By Skill Level
Beginner (6-12 months playing time)
15-20 minutes/day, 5-6 days/week
This may come as a surprise; most beginning music students expect to need more practice. However, in these first few months, your brain and hands are busy building new muscle memories and pathways. In fact, more than 20 minutes of practice at this stage may even create diminishing returns, and can sometimes reinforce poor technique or habits when you start to get tired.
The important thing at this early stage is practicing daily. Five days in a row of fifteen minute practice sessions is far greater than one marathon session on Saturday.
Intermediate (1-3 years)
30-45 minutes/day, 5-6 days/week
As your technique develops, longer practice sessions become more productive. Once you’ve reached this stage, there is enough to work on, such as scales, songs, etudes, sight-reading, etc., that filling a 30-45 minute sessions with intentional, focused practice is easy.
Advanced (3+ years with serious goals)
Students working towards auditions, competitions, admissions, or professional-level playing will require a lot more practice time than less advanced musicians. That said, the same principle still applies: quality and intention are the key. An hour of fully-focused, goal-directed practice is worth far more than playing around for three hours.
Adults with limited time
Many people come to music later in life. This often means they come with an already full schedule on their hands.
This is not a problem.
Focused practice of only 20 minutes per day will yield real progress. The only mistake is not finding the time to practice on busy days. It may be difficult, but even ten minutes of focused practice is worth the effort.
What Quality Practice Looks Like
One pitfall some new musicians fall into is thinking that practicing a piece just means playing through it over and over. But that’s actually the least effective way to learn it. Here’s what actually works best:
Isolate Problem Areas
When you make a mistake, you might be tempted to start over from the beginning, and play the whole piece again. Instead, stop, assess what exactly went wrong (did you play the wrong note? Was it bad timing? A technique issue?), and focus on working just that section. Play it slowly until you can get it right, then gradually bring it up to the proper tempo.
Slow it Down
Speaking of practicing slowly, despite what you may think, this is not a technique only for beginners. In fact, it’s how professionals nail down difficult passages. Practicing slowly allows your brain time to process each movement properly. Practicing at full tempo before you’re ready, on the other hand, cements mistakes.
Use a Metronome
A sense of timing is a fundamental skill for musicians, but it’s also an easy one to neglect. Practicing with a metronome on a regular basis builds internal rhythm and reveals any timing issues you may not notice when playing freely.
Practice With Intention
The most important way to ensure your practice times are of the highest quality, however, comes back to intention. Before each session, plan what you’re going to work on and set a goal to achieve by the end. Keep in mind that “practice the violin” is not an intentional goal, but “work through bars 6-12 until I can play them cleanly at 80 beats per minute” is.
How to Make Practice a Habit
Pick a Time & Place
Choose a time and place to practice every day, and your brain will start to expect it then. Some people find that practicing in the morning, before the demands of the day take over, has the highest chance of consistency.
Keep Your Instrument Handy
Instruments that stay in cases and closets are far less likely to be played. Keep yours out and in sight to keep it in mind.
Start Simple
Begin each session with a warm-up routine or a passage you already know well. Starting with something easily achievable helps build momentum for the rest of your session.
Track Practice
Keep a basic log of what you work on and for how long each practice session. This not only keeps you accountable, it also makes your development and progress more visible.
Talk to Your Teacher
If you only practiced a couple of times this week, tell your instructor. They may be able to help you figure out what’s getting in your way, and create a routine that works for you.
Lessons at The Music Studio
The Music Studio is Toronto’s home for creativity, connection, and the joy of making music. Our focus is on making every lesson meaningful, whether you’re a child just starting out or an adult exploring a new passion. With experienced instructors and a supportive environment, we help students discover their sound and build confidence at every step.
Check out all our programs and lessons, available for all ages and skill levels, and sign up today