Let’s face it…sometimes practicing can be a drag! After a long day at school or work, the last thing you feel like doing is sitting down to practice your instrument. But, as we all know, consistent practice is the only way to become the amazing musician you want to be! Contrary to what you might believe, not even megastars like Beyoncé or Taylor Swift were magically born with all those skills. They had to work hard, take music lessons, and practice day in and day out…even when they didn’t have the motivation to practice!
Don’t Quit
So when you reach that point in your music journey where the motivation to practice is waning, don’t lose hope. Here are the best tried and true ways to conquer the inevitable slump of motivation like a champ.
It’s natural to freak out a little and question your passion for music when you suddenly have no motivation to practice. But believe us when we say that every musician (yes, even great ones) don’t always feel like practicing. When that feeling occurs, the important thing to do is not to panic or, worse yet, give up altogether. Just keep calm and tell yourself the feeling is temporary and will fade…because eventually, it will.
Suck It Up
After the panic subsides, the next best thing to do is take a cue from Nike and just do it! In other words, suck it up and practice even though you don’t feel like it. That might sound harsh, but it’s ultimately how great musicians are made. More than fancy equipment or a perfect song or amazing touring opportunities, a standout musician is a product of continuous and diligent practice (even on the days when motivation is non-existent). Remember that the next time you don’t feel like practicing!
Find Your Support Squad
In times of struggle or doubt, it’s always helpful to have a support system to lean on, which is why many musicians take music lessons. In addition to top-notch music education and hands-on training, music lessons provide a built-in support system. From caring music teachers to sympathetic music students, there are plenty of people who understand your love-hate relationship with practicing, and will help motivate you to practice and do your best at all times.
Reward Yourself
There’s a reason why dogs do tricks for treats or kids do chores for money….it’s because rewards work! When faced with a difficult or unpleasant task, most people are inclined to simply avoid it or put it off. But when you reward yourself for good behavior, you’ll notice the unpleasant task seems a little easier. So, when you’re feeling resistant to practicing your instrument, give yourself a little reward for some extra motivation! It’ll benefit you as a musician and will help make the learning process a little more fun.
If you’re in need of even more practice time, consider music lessons at Scottsdale Music Academy. Our fun and exciting music lessons will make practicing seem less like a chore and more like a prize! Contact us today to learn more.