Tips for Practicing at Home
Tips for Practicing at Home
There can be several benefits to practicing as a musician (or any level) in the comfort of your own home. You’re truly able to take things at your own pace in an environment that is familiar and comfortable to you. There is a higher level of convenience and more availability to practice on your own terms. However, it can take a lot more motivation to keep up with your schedule, so here are some tips and tricks to keep you at your full potential:
1. Set a specific amount of time each day to practice. It’s important to get into a schedule with your practicing. Set aside a bit of time each day to work with your instrument and the progress will begin to speak for itself. Shock City keeps this easy with our automated and customizable practice reminder to SMS and/or email!
2. Have a designated creativity and playing place. If you can, have a special creative corner where you can forget about the outside world and focus on the inspirations of your craft. It’s important to have that designated place so it can help you get in the right mindset to practice and play. Keep it simple and inspiring by including all of your favorite instruments, a music stand (if needed), tuner, metronome, books, and photos or other personal decor.
3. Start with warming up. Whether it be some breathing exercises, meditation, or sight reading, it’s important to get your mind in the right place to focus on your instrument. Warming up, even before your at-home practice sessions, can help you practice at your full potential. This can also include stretching your fingers and hands or body, scales, and finger exercises.
4. Set goals throughout your practice. Know what you wish to accomplish during your practice time. Is there a specific part of a song you just can’t seem to get down? Access the trouble spot and work through it. However, remember to not get frustrated with yourself. Even if it takes a few lessons and practices, you will reach that goal eventually. Check with your Shock City teacher on your goals (songwriting, recording, or performance) and your assignments will be geared towards your overall progress and meeting those goals!
5. Reward yourself. At the end of the day, remember to be kind to yourself. If you’re hard on yourself after practicing, you will quickly lose all motivation. Give yourself a pat on the back every now and then because with every practice you only get better at your craft! Sometimes when it’s hard it means it’s working- stick with it and you’ll be a master in no time.
Want or need some extra guidance in addition to your at home practice and play? Our professional and awesome Shock City School of Music teaching staff can help! Offering private and group lessons for guitar, piano, voice, ukulele, bass guitar, songwriting, and performance training. Music lasts a lifetime, begin today.