The real beauty of Kindermusik is that it doesn’t end when the class does. The songs, routines, and special moments created in class follow each family home, becoming beloved parts of their daily lives and memories that will be treasured for a lifetime. These small, joyful routines make everyday moments feel a little easier, a little calmer, and a whole lot more connected. It’s no wonder that Kindermusik is a favorite part of the week – for the children and their grownups alike!
What to Do When Practicing for Your Music Lessons Feels Hard
Every fall here in the Upstate, the landscape transforms into something magical. The vibrant, fiery colors of the changing leaves set against the backdrop of the mountains create a breathtaking scene. The crisp, cool air beckons you outdoors, and there’s nothing quite like a refreshing hike through nature to take it all in.
But imagine starting a hike, filled with excitement, only to give up three-quarters of the way through because you got tired or frustrated. You’d miss the most beautiful part of the journey – the view from the top.
In many ways, music practice can feel like a long hike. As the school year progresses and schedules get busier, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the demands of learning new pieces, especially with special holiday performances on the horizon.
Maybe practicing feels harder than it did at the start of the year, or maybe you’re losing some of that early enthusiasm. The good news is that just like on a hike, with a few adjustments and a bit of perseverance, you can reach the summit and enjoy the rewards of your hard work.
Here are some practical strategies to help when practicing for your music lesson starts to feel tough.
1. Rediscover Your Favorites
When practice feels like a chore, take a step back and play through some of your favorite pieces – ones you’ve already mastered and enjoy. Not only will this boost your confidence, but it will also remind you of how far you’ve come. The joy you felt when you first learned those pieces will reignite your passion for music, and you’ll see that learning new pieces is possible, just like it was before.
2. Change Up Your Practice Time
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the music; it’s the timing. If you’ve been practicing after dinner and it’s starting to feel draining, try practicing right after school when you’re fresher. Or if fitting it all in feels overwhelming, break your practice into smaller chunks. You could do half in the morning and half in the afternoon. A change in routine can often bring a fresh perspective and make practice feel more manageable.
3. Mix Up Your Practice Routine
If practicing the same way every day is wearing you down, try switching up your approach. Instead of starting from the beginning of a piece, begin in the middle or at the hardest section first. Break the music into small sections and focus on one part at a time. Or try practicing backward, starting with the last section and working your way to the beginning. This variety not only keeps things interesting but also helps target the challenging parts more efficiently.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Setting clear, achievable goals can give your practice sessions a sense of purpose. Maybe your goal is to master one section of a piece in two practice sessions or to memorize a specific part by your next lesson. You can also set time-based goals, like practicing for 15 minutes in the morning and 15 minutes later in the day. Small, consistent wins add up, and you’ll see progress faster than you think.
5. Practice a Little Extra
It may sound counterintuitive, but when you feel like giving up, that’s often the moment when you’re closest to a breakthrough. Adding just a bit more practice time – even when you don’t feel like it – can make a big difference. That extra effort can propel you forward, leading to a moment where everything finally clicks.
6. Reach Out to Your Teacher
Your teacher is your greatest ally when it comes to navigating the challenges of music practice. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re a parent looking for guidance on how to support your child’s practice or a student feeling stuck, your teacher has been there and has lots of strategies to share. They can provide personalized tips, alternative approaches, and encouragement to help you move past the rough patches.
The Lesson in All of This? Keep on Hiking!
Just like a hike through the mountains, the journey of learning music has its ups and downs. There will be times when it feels hard, but those moments are part of the growth process. When you perform favorite songs for friends or family around the holidays or proudly stand on stage at recital time, looking back at all the effort and progress you’ve made, you’ll be so glad that you didn’t give up. The view from the top is worth every step!