Why Your Practice Isn't Working (and How to Fix it)

We've all been there. You sit down at your instrument, eager to practice, only to find yourself staring blankly at your music stand, unsure of where to start. Or maybe you've had the opposite experience—feeling overwhelmed by all the different aspects of your playing that you want to improve, and not knowing where to begin. Sound familiar?

Don't worry, you're not alone. Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive into four key strategies that can help you supercharge your practice sessions. Effective practice is the cornerstone of consistent growth in any discipline, and by following these tips, you’ll transform the way you approach your time in the practice room.

Rather than focusing on what you practice, this series will hone in on how you practice. The art of practicing is often overlooked or misunderstood by musicians. Many of us assume we know how to practice—it seems simple, right? Just repeat something until you get it right, then move on.

While repetition is certainly part of the process, there are more effective ways to optimize and even enjoy your practice time. In this blog series, we'll explore the "4 T's"—proven strategies to help you improve and grow as a musician. Whether you implement one or all of these methods, you'll find that they can significantly accelerate your progress.

The 4 T’s are:

1. Tempo

2. Timer

3. Track Your Progress

4. Take a Video

Each week, we’ll explore one of these strategies in detail, providing you with practical tips on how to incorporate them into your practice routine. But before we dive into the 4 T's, there’s one essential step you need to take: creating a plan.

The Importance of Planning

Before you start using the 4 T's, it's crucial to set a clear goal for your practice sessions. Having a goal serves as your compass, guiding you toward your ultimate destination and keeping you motivated, even on those inevitable challenging days. We recommend setting a goal that spans a period of 3 to 4 months, using the SMART method to ensure it’s well-defined and achievable.

SMART goals are:

• Specific: Write down your goal in detail. Consider aspects like feel, sound, technique, rhythm, and tempo. The more specific you are, the clearer your target will be.

• Measurable: Establish metrics to track your progress. Tempo is a straightforward one, but you might also measure progress by improvements in tone, relaxation, or consistency. These metrics will help you objectively evaluate your improvement over time.

• Achievable: Choose a goal that challenges you but is still within reach. This balance can be tricky to find at first, but with practice, you’ll get a better sense of what you can realistically accomplish within a few months. Avoid setting goals that require an unsustainable amount of practice time—most of us can’t commit to 8 hours a day, 7 days a week. Consider your available time and set a goal accordingly.

• Realistic: Ensure your goal aligns with your current skill level. For example, if you’re new to an instrument, don’t aim to master a complex piece in just a few months. Instead, choose something that’s attainable with dedicated effort. A good teacher or mentor can help you set a realistic goal that’s tailored to your level.

• Time-sensitive: Set a specific deadline for achieving your goal. A simple phrase like, “By [date], I will be able to play [piece or exercise] at [tempo]” can be incredibly effective. Mark this date in your calendar—it could be an exam, a performance, or a check-in with a teacher or friend. Having a deadline creates a sense of urgency that helps keep you on track.

After completing a 3 to 4 month cycle, take the time to review your progress, celebrate your achievements, and set new goals. This cycle of setting, working toward, and achieving goals is how you grow as a musician. While it takes focus and intention to plan your practice in this way, the results are well worth the effort. You’ll not only hear and see your progress, but you’ll feel it in your playing.

What’s Next?

We hope this overview has given you some useful insights and inspired you to rethink your approach to practice. Starting next week, we’ll delve into the first of our 4 T’s: Tempo. You’ll learn how adjusting your tempo can significantly impact your progress and help you master even the most challenging pieces.

So stay tuned, and get ready to supercharge your practice!