(Based on James Clear’s concept, but adapted for piano)
Consistency is key for learning a new skill, or improving one you’ve started, like playing the piano. Progress comes from frequent practice; even a short amount of time every day is more effective than a large chunk of time sporadically. But it can feel so daunting and overwhelming to begin and then stay consistent.
Here are four steps that can help:
1. Clarity: Know your details
When you know the “what/when/and how” of what you’re going to practice at the piano it simplifies and brings clarity to your approach, taking out the guesswork and allowing you to dive right in.
Have a plan in place. For instance, your “what/when/how” might look like: “I’ll practice just the first line of Für Elise/for 20 minutes right after dinner, around 6:30pm/by practicing hands separately, first note names, then fingering, and then counting.” For this plan, you’d set your alarm for 6:30pm as a reminder, and then your timer for 20 minutes once you start practicing. By focusing on only one line of music (or just a few measures) that day, you can accomplish the goals you’ve outlined.
2. Physical Environment
Make sure your piano or keyboard is in a space that you frequent (like your living room instead of your basement) so that you are often close to your instrument. Decorate the space around it in a warm and inviting way – put pleasing art on the wall, potted plants near by, a bookshelf for your piano music and favorite framed photos, etc. – to create a comfortable space that draws you in.
Have visual reminders for yourself to practice piano. Put affirmative sticky notes everywhere like “I love practicing piano!” Or “15 minutes of piano a day keeps the blues away” – whatever fun, silly, and encouraging words remind you to practice a little every day. Put the notes on your bathroom mirror, on your fridge, on the wall next to your coat rack or on the table next to where you set your keys down when you get home.
3. Action
Sometimes it helps to think of piano practice as a set of repetitions. Something you do no matter how you’re feeling and whether you want to practice or not. As James Clear says, “optimize for the starting line not the finish line.” Just set your timer, put your reps in, and before you know it you will have achieved your daily practice goal.
4. Inspiration
We’re more likely to stick with something, and stick with it for longer, if we actually enjoy doing it. That’s why it’s crucial to work on piano material that you like. Pick easy piano arrangements of songs or pieces you know and love. Some exercises, such as scales, usually aren’t as much fun but we have to do them regardless. Thankfully, a variety of technical exercises exist, so if one is driving you mad, put it aside for another. You can always circle back to it later when you’re more confident and relaxed at the piano.
And remember, self-talk is a big part of inspiration. What you tell yourself does matter. So catch any negative self-talk like “I’m so bad at this,” “I’m not musical,” etc and replace it right away with “I’m so proud of myself for putting the time and effort in,” “I’ve got this!” or “I love music so much, I’m stoked to be learning piano!” Recognize what you are good at (maybe you have “nice” piano fingers or a good sense of pitch or rhythm) and congratulate yourself with every small victory.
If you would like to learn piano with me, check out my online piano courses at: https://learn.marisamusicstudio.com/
Here are five simple piano exercises to get you started: