10 Tips to Incorporate Music Practice into a Busy Schedule
Life can get hectic—between school, work, extracurricular activities, and family time, carving out space for music practice might feel impossible. But consistent practice is the key to making real progress on any instrument. So, how can we fit music into a jam-packed day? With a little creativity and flexibility, it’s easier than you might think!
1. Break It Into Bite-Sized Chunks
Who says practice has to happen all at once? Instead of a 30-minute session, try three 10-minute bursts of focused practice throughout the day. This can make practice feel less daunting and easier to squeeze into spare moments.
Example: Practice scales in the morning, your lesson piece after lunch, and a fun song in the evening.
2. Make It a Family Activity
Incorporate practice into family time by turning it into a mini-concert! Let your child play their favorite piece for the family after dinner or during a break in the day. For adult learners, share your progress with loved ones—playing for others can be motivating and fun.
3. Pair It with a Habit You Already Have
Create a habit loop by pairing practice with something you already do regularly. For example:
Play a warm-up piece before brushing your teeth in the morning.
Practice sight-reading after finishing homework.
Use practice time as a break from screen time.
4. Use Downtime Wisely
Waiting for dinner to cook? Have 10 minutes before heading to soccer practice? These small gaps in the day can be perfect for a quick run-through of a piece or some finger exercises. Keep your instrument easily accessible to make this easier.
5. Set a Timer
Sometimes, starting practice is the hardest part. Set a timer for just 5 minutes and commit to playing. Once you start, you’ll often find that you want to keep going. Even if it’s only 5 minutes, you’ve made progress!
6. Incorporate Technology
Apps and tools can make practice more engaging. Try:
Metronome apps to work on rhythm.
Backing tracks for fun, interactive play.
Video recordings to review your progress.
These can also be used on the go if you’re traveling and can’t access your instrument.
7. Make It Fun
Incorporate games into practice sessions to keep things lighthearted and enjoyable. For example:
Roll a die to determine how many times to play a section.
Create a “practice bingo” card with different skills to check off.
Challenge yourself to play a piece with funny dynamics or tempos.
8. Treat Practice Like an Appointment
Put practice time on the family calendar just like any other activity. Treat it as a non-negotiable commitment, even if it’s just a few minutes each day.
9. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
A short, focused practice session is much more effective than an hour of distracted playing. Set specific goals for each session, like perfecting a tricky measure or mastering a new scale.
10. Celebrate Progress
Don’t forget to acknowledge milestones! Whether it’s playing a piece all the way through, mastering a difficult section, or simply staying consistent, celebrating progress keeps motivation high.