One of the things I hear most often from students is “How long will it take me to get good?” The answer to that question depends upon the kind of music you want to play, how long you practice for each hour/day/week/month/decade, and what your definition of “good” is. There is joy on the musical road, as you hear yourself improving each time you approach the instrument. I do have a few ideas that I have found helpful. 

1. Practice to your weaknesses.

It is a lot of fun to play through the part of a tune that you know well. When you get to a part that “always messes me up,” that is the part to practice. Play just that part over and over and over, starting slowly then increasing your speed as you go. That leads to:

2. Practice rhythm.

Use a metronome as soon as you start learning an instrument. It is an invaluable tool for taking your first few steps. What I do is figure out how fast I want to play something, then I cut it in half. I start with the metronome there and learn the piece or song or whatever it is. Then, I start turning the metronome up. Eventually, I get to the speed that I want to play it.

3. Practice your least-favorite thing first.

As you sit and concentrate on your music, over time your brainpower will wane. If you wait until you’re burned out from practicing to play the exercises or piece you’ve been dreading during your whole practice session, you aren’t going to get very far with it. By saving your favorite piece until last, you’ll get a little boost when you begin working on it, which will help you to work a little longer.

If you have any questions or comments about practicing, feel free to get in touch with me.