Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet? Below, piano teacher Alicia B. shares five piano practice resolutions you’ll want to keep year round…
Now that you’ve thrown away your noisemakers and brushed all of the confetti out of your hair, the real fun of the New Year begins: making (and keeping) resolutions!
While we all have goals like “lose weight” and “eat less sugar” on our list, why not add something that’s more enjoyable and actually attainable?
Below are some useful piano practice resolutions that will make you much happier than avoiding Oreos.
We all have different plans and priorities when it comes to music. Now is the time to work with your piano teacher to take things to the next level.
One tried and true way to do this is by maintaining a piano practice chart or log, where you have clear week-to-week instructions from your teacher.
Not only is it a way to better structure your piano practice, but it also ensures that you’re honest about whether you’ve met your piano practice goals.
There is a lot to be learned from your local music community. It’s comprised of talented music professionals, orchestra and jazz ensemble members, teachers, store and club owners, and the like.
These are typically the people who run local music competitions, festivals, and other events that could possibly open doors for you.
With that said, the New Year is a good chance to join a professional organization or music club and attend shows and festivals.
In doing so, you’ll meet fellow musical minds and network with others who could potentially help you in the future.
As a student, you’re going to have several piano recitals throughout the year. While these performances can be scary, there’s no need to be scared.
With a little preparation, you’ll be just fine. Just realize that no one is going to practice for you. It’s near-impossible to fake a great performance.
Therefore, make a good game plan that will give you enough time to have a great show, with a challenging piece you can be proud to perform.
As a student, you’ve probably already realized that the pursuit of true musicianship is lifelong and never ending.
With the Internet, however, there is no limit to the options of what you can absorb beyond the walls of traditional higher education.
In addition to a slew of YouTube videos made by professionals, websites such as Coursera and iTunes U have entire courses and lectures created by well-known universities, such as Berklee School of Music, in subjects including music theory, music production, and business.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can search for either a non-degree seeking course at a local university or a master class or workshop with visiting musicians and professors.
As a young student, you can look for youth orchestras and clubs to join. If there aren’t any, find a teacher and start one!
Music is a constant evolving art and you should be as well. Listening to new artists, attempting new genres, and challenging yourself with new techniques will make you a better overall piano player.
You can also push yourself to perform more, in different arenas and with different kinds of ensembles. Maybe you’ve never written a song, or entered a competition, or made a video of yourself.
The year 2016 is the year to take your piano skills to the next level. Use these piano practice resolutions as a guide to help you get you there.
Post Author: Alicia B.Alicia B. teaches piano, violin, music performance, and more. She is a graduate of Miami’s Public Arts Programs, including Coral Reef Senior High and the Greater Miami Youth Symphony. Alicia has over 15+ years of musical experience. Learn more about Alicia here!
Brooke Neuman