The holidays have a way of making us pause. Between family gatherings, nostalgic playlists, and that one relative who insists on singing slightly off-key carols, we’re reminded how deeply music is woven into our lives. But beyond the seasonal soundtrack, this time of year also nudges us to reflect, not just on big milestones, but on the small, often overlooked victories that quietly shape our journeys.
And when it comes to music, those little wins? They’re everything.
Progress Isn’t Always Loud
If you’ve ever picked up an instrument as an adult or encouraged your child to stick with lessons, you know the truth: progress in music rarely comes in fireworks. It’s not always a flawless recital or a viral TikTok performance. More often, it’s subtle. It’s nailing that tricky chord change. It’s finally holding a steady tempo. It’s your teenager practicing without being asked (miracles do happen).
These moments may feel minor compared to the image of “true mastery,” but they carry weight. They prove resilience. They prove growth. They deserve applause, even if the audience is just you and your cup of hot cocoa.
The Science of Small Wins
Psychologists call it the “progress principle”: celebrating small achievements boosts motivation, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. In music, this is amplified because music itself is emotional fuel. When we acknowledge progress, however small, we’re essentially telling our brain: keep going, this matters.
That reinforcement is powerful for adult learners, who often wrestle with self-doubt (“I should have started earlier,” “I’ll never be as good as…”). It’s equally transformative for families guiding kids through practice sessions, where encouragement can mean the difference between a lifelong love of music and a dusty instrument in the closet.
Why Holidays Are the Perfect Backdrop
The end of the year is reflective by nature. We toast to accomplishments, mourn losses, and set intentions. In this emotional mix, pausing to celebrate musical wins becomes more than just feel-good fluff, it’s a ritual of gratitude.
For families, it’s a chance to cheer on the child who bravely sang at the school concert or to recognize the patience it took to sit through lessons every week. For adults, it might mean honoring the fact that you picked up the guitar again after twenty years, or that you simply didn’t quit, even when life got hectic.
Celebration Doesn’t Have to Be Grand
Here’s the edgy truth: too often, we dismiss small victories because we think celebration requires grandeur. It doesn’t. Celebration is personal. It could mean recording yourself and noticing improvement. It could be sharing a performance with close friends, or just letting yourself smile after a practice session instead of nitpicking.
Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is to acknowledge: I’m doing this. I’m growing. I’m making music.
A Call to Applause
As the holidays unfold, take a moment to listen differently. Not just to the polished recordings on your playlists, but to the imperfect, heartfelt music being made in your home or in your own practice space. Celebrate it.
Because music isn’t just about reaching some distant finish line. It’s about every step, every note, every imperfect attempt that shapes who we are. And if you ask me? That’s worth a standing ovation.