How to Create a Consistent Practice Habit

How To Create A Consistent Practice Habit

There are many things in our lives that we’ve created habits out of, such as brushing our teeth, drinking our coffee, or remembering to feed the goldfish. 

For the most part, we’re able to get through these tasks without giving them much thought. In fact, many of us almost forget that we do them every day! 

Habits are some of the most useful tools we have as humans, as they allow us to accomplish tasks we deem necessary without having to use a lot of energy to do so. The beauty of a task is that the minute it becomes a habit, the easier it becomes. 

For someone that is just entering the world of music lessons, the habit of consistent practice is crucial. Unless that person can establish a consistent practice routine, the motivation and growth can wear off. 

Today, we want to help with a few suggestions to create a more consistent practice routine, whether you’re working with students or practicing yourself!

 

Practice Each Day!

Establishing a habit takes time. For this reason, it’s important that you start with very simple expectations of yourself or your students. These expectations can be as simple as practicing every single day, even if it is only for a few minutes. 

Keep practice fun and light-hearted if you can. The more you enjoy practicing, the easier it will be to make it a habit. 

As you continue getting better, these simple expectations will grow. By this point, you’ll be able to establish more demanding practice parameters that are relevant to your or your student’s skill level.

 

Be Consistent With Your Timing

Ensure that you practice at the same time each day to create a habit if possible. For example, you can set a time to practice as soon as you get home from work. A young student may practice as soon as they get home from school or finish their homework. 

It is important to pick a time where there aren’t many other distractions to worry about, which brings us to our next point.

 

Find A Quiet Place To Practice

Your practice plan should include logistics, and this is where many people go wrong. It’s much easier to focus when you’re practicing somewhere where you aren’t prone to distractions, such as social media, games, television, etc. 

The practice location should also be quiet and well-lit, allowing for better focus without getting tired. 

You’ll surely have to consider the type of instrument you or your student are playing too, as this will likely determine what kind of practice space is practical. Those practicing acoustic guitar might be able to practice just about anywhere, while someone practicing piano will have to be in a place where the piano exists. 

 

Track Practice

Documenting each practice session is crucial, as it’ll keep you or your student accountable and provide incentives for future practice. There’s nothing like checking off the boxes for practice to feel a true sense of accomplishment. 

There are many ways to track practice, though it can be as simple as writing things down in a practice planner, a whiteboard, or a chart that has assignments and dates. With computers and note apps on smartphones, keeping track of things is easier than it ever has been! 

 

Celebrate Practice!

Consider acknowledging practice anniversaries that come around! Have you or your student been practicing for a full month consistently? If so, celebrate your victories! 

Many experts say that it can take anywhere between 21 days and six weeks to create a consistent habit. Of course, those habits can be unlearned just as fast, which is why it’s just as important to continue making milestones for you or your students so you can look back and celebrate the accomplishment of consistency.

Seeing where you came from is a great motivator that can get you excited to take your skills even further!

 

Final Thoughts – Creating A Consistent Practice Routine

One of the most crucial things when it comes to creating consistent practice routines is making things fun! 

Remember why you decided to pick up an instrument and begin playing in the first place. It wasn’t to start a lifetime of boring practice routines that you dreaded getting into, was it? 

Make time in your practice routines to noodle around or play over your favorite songs! In doing so, you’ll appreciate your practice time much more and look forward to them, which will help create a likable and consistent habit.