Are you a musician or someone that enjoys music looking for new music goals and activities? Whether you’re looking to make some new year resolutions to incorporate more music into your life or you’re a musician looking for new activities, you’re sure to find exciting ideas on this list!
These goals and activities can be just for fun or with a specific goal in mind. You might want to even just renew a fresh attitude and excitement for music. No matter what your goal is, big or small, write it down and get to work!
Why Is Music Important?
Music is essential for so many reasons, no matter who you are – a professional musician, an aspiring musician, a parent, or a teacher!
Are you a musician? Setting goals establishes the roadmap you need to truly progress and improve as a musician.
Music can also improve your memory, reduce stress, and act as a mood booster.
With so many great things that music can bring to us, it’s important to set music goals and participate in music activities.
Fortunately, setting musical goals doesn’t need to be a complex process. Think about it – what would you like to gain from music? What songs or genres have you always wanted to play? What technique or skill makes you think, “Man, I wish I could do that!”
50 Fun Music Goals and Activities
Need some help identifying the best musical goals and activities for you? Here are 50 fun ideas to get you started! We even include a few music activities for kids.
1. Compose an original song.
2. Learn a new song every week.
3. Branch out and try learning a new instrument.
4. Learn a new style or genre, or explore improvisation.
5. Create a press kit for your band, or update your musical resume if you’re a soloist.
6. Every week, commit to doing something that inspires you musically. Check out these inspirational TED talks for musicians.
7. Parents: Support your child’s music goals by attending every concert and recital this year – or go the extra mile and sign up for lessons, too!
8. Plan and record a music video.
9. Create a practice schedule and stick with it.
10. Identify the excuses you typically use to avoid practicing and brainstorm ways to combat them.
11. Try your hand at writing lyrics, even if you struggle at first. It takes practice!
12. Mark your calendar for routine instrument maintenance, such as changing your guitar strings, so you don’t forget.
13. Budget and save up for that awesome amp, ProTools software, or new guitar that you’ve had your eye on.
14. Stimulate your creativity in other ways: attend concerts, meditate or get out in nature.
15. Collaborate with your music teacher, community members, or friends to plan the ultimate recital or talent show…
16. …and then make sure to perform in it, too!
17. Attend a music networking event – and don’t forget your demo, press kit, or at least a business card!
18. Audition for something.
19. Improve a specific technique, such as violin vibrato, double-tonguing for woodwinds, or syncopation for drummers.
20. Learn a new warm-up exercise to meet your music goals and add it to your practice sessions.
21. Memorize and learn how to read the Circle of Fifths.
22. Getting ready for college? Start researching competitions, grants, and music scholarships available to you.
23. Identify a music career mentor (whether it’s your band teacher, private instructor, or someone else in the industry) and meet with them monthly.
24. Learn how to transcribe your favorite song.
25. Record weekly videos of yourself (put them on YouTube if you’re comfortable!) so you can really see how you progress through the year.
26. Teach someone else to play a song.
27. Participate in outside music groups (check community boards, churches, or MeetUp.com).
28. Spend a weekend busking.
29. Great for all ages: Want an easy step to overcoming stage fright? Try karaoke and sing your heart out! Organize a fun night out with friends or do it with your students/children.
30. Read up on the composer, artist, or music era you’re studying to really understand the meaning behind the songs.
31. Watch a music documentary to get inspired and learn about famous musicians.
32. Purchase a season pass to your local symphony, and get cultured!
33. Craft an “elevator pitch” for your band. How would you describe your band’s style and influences in 30 seconds or less if a networking opportunity arises?
34. Create a website and start building an email fan list to assist with your marketing and help you meet your music goals.
35. Reach out to local media, with an end goal of being covered in a print or online publication.
36. Take care of your health by eating right and exercising. (Yes, this relates to your music – you can’t sing or play as well if you’re under the weather, right?)
37. Speak to your music teacher about increasing your lesson length – e.g. 30-minute lessons to 45-minute lessons.
38. How much money would you like to earn this year from playing gigs? Get specific and write it down.
39. Complete exercises every day for ear training – it’s an invaluable skill!
40. Set aside time to evaluate yourself after each time you practice. Did you stay focused? Did you truly listen to what you were playing?
41. Record yourself regularly, and listen back to really hear your progress.
42. Vow to take better care of your instrument. This means regular tune-ups for your piano, wiping down your guitar after each use, and drinking lots of water for vocalists!
43. Resolve to give yourself some credit as you work towards your music goals, even when you’re frustrated.
44. Perform more. It’s as simple as that! Take advantage of open mic nights and smaller, non-paying gigs. Extra performance experience is always helpful.
45. Jam with friends, family members, your teacher… just get out there and start experimenting!
46. Find an events calendar for your area, and select a concert or live show to check out. Invite a friend and make it something to look forward to.
47. Don’t forget about the classics, also. Every popular artist today evolved from a bunch of influences, and those roots are definitely worth checking out.
48. High school musicians: get involved with music activities outside of school. Look into All-State Bands and Choirs, community groups, and local competitions.
49. Subscribe to the blog or bookmark it to stay up-to-date on all of our tips, tricks, and advice from the experts!
And of course…
50. If you haven’t already… finally sign up for those music lessons you’ve been thinking about!
Enjoy Working Towards Music Goals and Activities!
Music is magical! We hope you enjoy working towards your music goals or incorporating more music activities into your routine.
Which goal or activity are you going to try first? Let us know in the comments below!
You might also like…
– Excel at Music By Acting Like a Child
– Is Your 9-to-5 Draining Your Creativity?
– 3 Bizarre “Super Powers” of Music
Suzy S.