How to have fun learning piano!

I searched Pinterest for "how to make practicing fun" and guess what... Nada.

So, yes, at the end of the day we are motivated intrinsically and extrinsically. We may say, after I practice 20 minutes I'm getting an ice cream. I am guilty of such!

Or we might be list people and be motivated by getting to the end of the list of things to practice.

We might love to practice singing and playing songs and getting all in our emotions (instead of the tough stuff that makes us better piano players) of which, I am also guilty.

I love to learn new songs and love the finished product, but how do I enjoy the process?

1.) I am a strong believer in setting realistic goals

For example

• today I will practice these 10 measures slowly, one hand at a time.

• today I will review the scale, chords, inversions and arpeggios in the key of G.

• today I will play the Major Scales 10 times each.

• today I will muscle through a new lead sheet and work on my sight reading skills.

• today I will add new inversions to a song that I always play the same way.

These kinds of goals should 10-20 minutes... I think that when we have a huge block of time that is set aside for practicing, it becomes overwhelming. It is about the small wins and the daily growth.

2.) Reward yourself

For example

• Have a Dr Pepper while you practice

• If I practice every day this month (no matter how long) l will get a massage for my hard working fingers!

• Put a calendar near your piano and put pretty stickers on each day that you practice!

• Go get a coffee after you practice! (not before because if you're like me, then you will most likely get distracted and never get around to it)

3.) Practice with others

For example

• Share your daily wins with someone you trust, someone who will cheer you on! (especially your teacher, she would love that)

• Make friends who are also learning and play for each other

• Play a song while a friend sings (this is excellent practice)

4.) Use backing tracks

For example

• YouTube C Major scales and arpeggios and try to play along

• Search for different chord progressions in whichever key you are working in, and find a backing track to play along with

• It is also fun to make up words to the chord progressions!

5.) Make your practice space beautiful

For Example

• clean up your space

• keep it organized

• decorate your space!

Most importantly don't lose sight of your end goal, which is to play piano. Some of you may want to play at church, and some may want to play Tchaikovski. Either way, we MUST not get burnt out practicing. Give yourself a pep talk and keep practicing! See you in lessons!

Musically,

your loving teacher,

Mrs. Donohoo