How to Practice Your Instrument Without Getting Frustrated

Learn how to break down your music practice into small, manageable steps to stay calm and have fun while you learn.

1. Set a bite-sized goal. Instead of trying to learn a whole song at once, pick just two or three measures. Tell yourself, 'I am only going to master these specific notes today.' Small goals are much easier to hit than big ones.
2. Slow it down. If you keep making mistakes, you are likely playing too fast. Slow the tempo down until you can play the passage perfectly three times in a row. Speed comes naturally once your fingers know exactly where to go.
3. Use the timer method. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes. When the timer goes off, you are done for the session! Knowing there is an end time helps you stay focused and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed.
4. Take a reset break. If you feel your shoulders getting tight or your face getting hot, stop immediately. Walk away, get a drink of water, or do five jumping jacks. Come back to the instrument when you feel calm and ready to try again.