“Practice makes perfect” is a cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason. Practice is where a beginner musician find their heart, soul, and drive to improve. That said, a mastery of time-management must come before the creative burst.
A strong practice routine helps the notes flow. In fact, studies have shown that expert musicians not only sustain their deliberate practice as they age, they increase it! So this week, let’s talk about why a practice routine is critical for getting the most out of your or your child’s musical journey.
The Value of Routine
At first, sticking to any kind of routine can feel like a burden or challenge. But many soon discover there is a certain freedom that arises from this kind of discipline. That’s because embracing routine builds strong time-management skills, builds creative momentum and confidence, and smashes through procrastination.
The truth is, taking control of how your time is manages helps you and your child feel more in control, have more time to do the things you all enjoy, and reduces unnecessary scheduling stress.
How Much Time Should a Music Student Spend Practicing?
When it comes to a practice routine of any sort, but especially music, consistency is the most essential element. At first, many students and parents grow concerned about the time commitment, and worry it may be disruptive to the family schedule. But the block of time that should be dedicate to practice every day is quite reasonable. Specific time frames will depend on a student’s age and skill level, but generally speaking, daily practice routines should look like the following:
- 15-20 minutes for very young students.
- 20 minutes for students in elementary school.
- 45 minutes for intermediate students in middle school.
- 60 minutes for advances students.
Of course, students with a deep passion or a goal of pursuing music in a post-secondary or professional level may way to put more time in. Regardless, the very first step to creating a good practice routine should not be a focus on the amount fo time. Instead, the true first focus should be on consistency and picking up the instrument every day. Even a simple routine acts as roots for a musical life to grow.
What Happens to the Brain & Body When You Practice Consistently?
Consistent practice both activates and develops areas of the brain that may not be stimulated by other activities. And more than that, practicing every day activates mechanisms in the body that help students become better musicians over time. Here’s what’s actually happening, on both a biological and psychological level:
- The brain processes and recalls information learned during lessons more easily.
- Muscle memory (also called “procedural memory”) is built up as students perform the same motions over and over.
- Fingers begin to “remember” notes and placements and do them automatically.
- Eventually, muscle memory reaches a point where students can play entire songs with little thought.
Practicing consistently unlocks all of this. Additionally, as the brain receives positive feedback from seeing itself improve in skill, a foundation of perseverance is laid.
Practicing at home makes every lesson with an instructor more valuable. That’s thanks to the way consistent practice pushes the brain and body to build on what in has learned in class through repitition.
How to Build a Consistent Practice Routine
It’s clear consistent, daily practice is essential for any musical journey, but how is that routine created? Many musicians struggle with this aspect of learning to play music, and kids, with their typically packed schedules, can become overwhelmed.
Parents, of course, play a critical role in creating the right environment for a consistent practice routine. Here are a few things parents can do to help encourage that all-important consistency:
- Built practice time into the family schedule.
- Provide a private, disctraction-free space. Good lighting is important, as is isolation from outside noise and wandering visitors or pets.
- Don’t mix practice time with chores. Music should never be lumped in with other obligations kids may dislike.
- Create a positive mindset around the act of practicing, framing it as a fun thing they want to do, rather than a burden they must undertake.
When it comes to what time of day the practice routine should take place, it’s best to make this decision together. Some students find it difficult to practice their instrument after a full day of school. That fatigue from the day may make it difficult to establish the routine. For this reason, some students find it more effective to practice before school.
On the other hands, some students may struggle to wake up and get to school on time as it is. For students like this, especially if they don’t have many additional after-school activities, an afternoon practice routine may be best.
Setting the Right Practice Time Tone
Practice does make perfect, but you can’t look for perfection in each practice session. Instead, the true goal of a practice routine is to improve skills over time. New students must build muscle memory and foundational skills. Intermediate students must hone and develop those skills. Advanced students must focus and master those skills. Difficulty and obstacles will arise no matter the level, and consistent practice allows them to be overcome.
Building an encouraging, structured environment that gives students the time they need to practice and succeed will foster positive, lifelong habits that will carry them through their musical education and beyond.
Looking to further, or even begin, that musical journey? The Music Studio’s professional instructors offer a wide variety of classes, lessons, and bands for all ages and skill levels! Check them all out, and sign up any time!