Are you dreaming of playing the piano for fun? A daily 15 minutes of practice can help make your dream a reality.
Yet so many piano students complain that they don't have time. What? Really?
Has is become too time consuming watching social media posts of cats on treadmills?
Are we too busy commenting on our friends' latest memes? How about a massive 15 minutes without checking our smart phones? Oh, the withdrawal!
By day's end, you are tired and hungry. Why not enjoy a cookie (or 10) on the cozy couch? You could pour a glass of wine and listen to music and dream of playing like a virtuoso. How hard could it be? Come on, guys! 15 minutes a day adds up to real progress, but you have to make the time and gain some momentum!
"Experience is a great teacher" - John Legend
If you are in a position in your life where you can take music lessons or want to jazz up your skills, CONGRATS! We all have common and unique responsibilities, but 15 minutes are hiding somewhere in your day. Those moments are worth finding.
"If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time" - Billy Joel
Here are ideas to help improve your piano playing...
Practice at the same time every day. Keep it consistent. Make a music appointment with yourself!
If you are a morning person, set your alarm 15 minutes earlier. Play right after a fortifying breakfast for music champions. Practice a short tune right before your first class or meeting. A music filled morning sets the tone for the entire day.
If you are a creative soul and structure is not your cup of chai, be sure to get your power 15 in by sunset. If it starts getting dark out, set your timer and get cracking. Light a candle or create a space where you enjoy hanging out and being artistic. Put on your favorite tunes for inspiration. Keep a journal of what you play every day. Even brainstorm ideas for new pieces to add.
If you admittedly possess a few lazy bones, don't sing the blues. As soon as you dive in for a social media fix or get sucked into the vile vortex of reality tv, look at the time and do a quick 15 before you allow yourself to indulge in distractions. Be sure to reward yourself with bonus selfies and a nap when you are done!
More "hip tips" to keep you motivated...
Set up your keyboard and books in advance so they are ready to go. Make it convenient to play. Your instrument zone should be welcoming. Spark that joy of music!
Share what you learn. Make recordings and videos of your progress to send to your friends and family. They will be your biggest fans and cheer you onward!
Find a practice partner. Do you have a friend or relative that plays an instrument? Check in with each other weekly and share your experiences. Support and accountability can go a long way.
Choose piano books that are at your level. Don't skip too far ahead. When in doubt, start at the beginning. Find a teacher to lead you in the right direction. Play short pieces so you can finish them and move forward.
If your primary goal is to play your favorite music for your own enjoyment, go for it! Viral videos of cute child prodigies aren't important. Your own fulfillment is all that matters. Isn't that how it should always be?
"When you play, never mind who listens to you" - Robert Schumann
Remember, you CAN do this! If you read this far, that proves your motivation level. Whether you are taking piano lessons in Salem, New Hampshire or anywhere you call home, sometimes the toughest part is just starting. Once you begin, the music will guide and inspire you. Thank you for spending your first power 15 minutes (or 2 or 3) reading my blog. I wish you the greatest success! Now go practice! Piano playing is powerfully wonderful!!!
Rosanna Ferro is a Berklee College of Music graduate. She has performed and composed shows in New York City and Boston. Rosanna is on the music teaching staff at Riverside Music Studio in Manhattan. She has taught hundreds of piano and voice students. If you are interested in piano lessons in Salem, New Hampshire you can contact RosannaFerro7@gmail.com for classes at Quality Music Lessons.