January 5

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Even if You’re Not Taking Music Lessons, You Still Have to Practice

If there's one thing that schools don't teach very much, or at all, it's how to practice.

No, I'm not talking about music (at least, not yet).

But, practicing pretty much anything. We don't often think of it like this, but pretty much all of life is a form of practice.

Practicing to become a better learner.
Practicing to become more empathetic.
Practicing to learn how to deal with difficult people better.
Practicing to become better at your job.
Practicing cooking.
Practicing nutrition.
Practicing exercise.
Practicing [insert pretty much anything here]

Each day:

Evaluating
Experimenting
Problem solving through the hard parts
Planning what could go better tomorrow
Trying for even a 1% improvement. 

If you don't practice, you stay stuck or you go backwards. Period. 

This is not a criticism of schools. Teaching how to practice is difficult because individuals naturally need help finding their own grooves. Plus, good practice is very difficult to measure, grade, or quantify. 

So, it's left out or forgotten about altogether in the natural course of assignments, tasks, formulas, and tests.

But...it's no wonder successful music students often become successful in other areas; school, career, relationships, learning new languages and skills, and more. 

Music lessons are an opportunity to fill in the education gap. To give us a chance to learn how to practice under a teacher's guidance. And the skills transfer.

But, even if you didn't take music lessons, learning how to practice is essential.

So, what will you practice today?

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For parents, students, and anyone else who believes that music can and should be a meaningful part of everyone's life.

About Jonathan Roberts

I am the founder and director of the South Shore Piano School, and I have been teaching the piano for nearly 20 years. My work centers around bringing music to the lives of kids, parents, and adults in an enriching, meaningful way. At the South Shore Piano School, my incredible colleagues and I accomplish this through skill-based teaching, community, and an innovative, people-first business model. You can read more about me here.

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