Practice regularly

Studies have shown that consistent practice is crucial for learning a musical instrument. Short, frequent practice sessions are often more effective than long, infrequent ones.

Break down complex skills into smaller parts

Learning a musical instrument involves mastering a variety of skills, some of which may be quite challenging. Breaking these skills down into smaller, more manageable parts can make the learning process less overwhelming and more effective.

Remember trash in = trash out!

Use deliberate practice techniques

Deliberate practice involves setting specific goals, receiving feedback, and making targeted improvements. This approach has been shown to be highly effective for improving musical performance.

Seek out feedback from others

Receiving feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers can be extremely helpful for improving your musical skills. Studies have shown that feedback can increase motivation and lead to more rapid skill development. Perhaps take video recordings of your playing to watch back.

Listen to a wide range of music: Exposure to a variety of musical styles and genres can help to broaden your musical understanding and inspire new ideas for your own playing. Listen passively (when doing other activities such as cleaning) and actively (we recommend some good quality comfortable headphones)

 

Use visualization techniques: Studies have shown that visualization techniques can be effective in improving musical performance. This involves mentally rehearsing a piece of music before actually playing it.

Stay motivated: Learning a musical instrument can be challenging at times, so it’s important to stay motivated and engaged. Setting achievable goals, rewarding yourself for progress, and seeking out opportunities to perform can all help to keep you motivated and on track.

 

For more information on goal setting, please read up on SMART goals This resource breaks down the SMART criteria and provides examples of how to apply them to different types of goals. It also includes a template that you can use to create your own SMART goals