Look back through our posts, and you’ll find plenty of blogs exploring the endless benefits kids and adults can reap from playing music. Of course, in order to actually enjoy these benefits you’ve got to do something that, for many people–especially kids with other extracurricular activities–may be harder than actually learning the instrument: finding the time to practice.
In today’s fast paced, modern world, we–and our kids–live infinitely busier lives than the generations that came before. It can almost feel impossible to find the time to do the things we love, the things that really matter to us. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help yourself or your kids set goals and priorities, and better manage the free time available! Check out our 13 tips to help you better manage your practice time:
1. Wake Up Earlier
Some people’s schedules are so hectic, there is virtually no free time to speak of. If your or your kids’ day is jam-packed, try getting up just 15 minutes earlier. It’s the perfect time to enjoy musical practice time. The world is still quiet, with no one to interrupt. Practice chords, scales, or fingering techniques as the sun rises. This also has the added benefit of offering a welcome feeling of accomplishment to start off the day!
2. Disconnect
Turn everything off. Everything. Phone, tablets, computers. Everything. And then dedicate a specific amount of time to practicing. If some bit of electronics absolutely must be used for your practice session, at lease disconnect it from the internet so no additional digital distractions.
3. Turn Off the TV
While the internet has become a big and easy source of distraction, the original distractor is still hanging around: television. The average Canadian adult watches an average nearly three hours of TV a day, with kids hovering around the same amount, depending on their age! Now just imagine how much music could be made if television consumption was cut by half!
4. Bring it Along
Take your instrument with you to work, school, friends, on vacation, wherever you happen to go. Not everyone can bring their instrument into an office, but there is always break time! There are always small lulls or breaks throughout the day that can be filled with music. Of course, make sure you’ve got a good case to protect your or your child’s instrument during travel.
5. Take it to Lunch
An extension of the last tip, practice during lunch! If you can, seal off your office or work area so you can work on music. Whether your lunch is 30 or 60 minutes, it is a nice chance to get at least a little practice in. It also has a wonderful way of turning even the worst day around after just a few notes! Kids can also break out their instruments during lunch break. This may be especially useful for kids who are in music lessons together to practice together.
6. Set a Timer
Every day set a short timer. It can be as short as 5-10 minutes. During that time, work on a particular boring exercise related to practicing or music theory. This is a great time to work on memorizing dry stuff inside and out, over an extended period of time. Take your time with daily instalments.
7. Ask for Time
If your kids (or you!) need time to practice, let them ask for it. Or better yet, let them tell them you they need 30 minutes. Don’t let anyone or anything distract them for that relatively short period of time. They’ll get a lot more done when they have this time for yourself.
8. Set a Clear Purpose
Before they start their practice session, encourage them to take a moment to think about what they’ll be practicing today. Get them to fix it firmly in their mind; have them write it down if that helps. Then simply do it. Stick to the plan, and try to not let themselves wander from it too much. Try to control that “noodling” drive.
9. Take Breaks
We’ve all got our own attention span. For some people, it can be quite long, others not so much. Regardless of which camp you or your child find yourselves in, it is okay to take a break from music distractions or restless set in. Take 10, and come back.
10. Set Another Timer
15, 30, 60, 90 minutes; whatever can be handled or there is time for. During this period, take the time, and slowly work though a big, perhaps difficult project. The point is not to worry (or even think) about any progress being made, or not being made. Finishing anything during this block of practice time is not the point. Focusing on working on it is.
11. Take a Note From the Dog
The dog gets something tasty when he does something good. Rewards work. Make sure a job well done is celebrated. If the road to improved performance is paved with good feeling and small celebrations, everyone is more likely to return it it every day.
Closing Thoughts
These are just a few simple tips to help you find and manage your musical practice time. Everyone’s daily routine is slightly different, so you will have to try to find the best combination for your or your kids’ schedules. No matter how you do it, the most important thing to do is find the time in your day, even if it is only 15 or 30 minutes, and do the work. Even a few minutes can lead to big progress over time.
Are you looking to further your or your children’s music journey? The Music Studio’s professional instructors offer a wide variety of programs, lessons, and bands for all ages and skill levels. Check them out and sign up today!