Unlocking Your Potential: Ten Reasons Why You Aren’t Practicing Piano

As a kid I took piano lessons and eventually went to college for music. A desire for consistent income took me away from my practice routine in my adult years. Even when I taught piano, that detracted from my practice time. I’ve reflected on what kept me from being consistent with my practice routine then and how I overcame those obstacles.

You don’t know how to motivate yourself

When I was younger most of my choices were based on how I felt. I would ask myself if I “felt like” playing piano that day. Now I ask myself “do I want my gig to go well?” or “do I want to improve as a musician?”. Of course the answer to those questions will be yes. This is how I motivate myself. I ask myself what I want the result to be. This gets me going.

Learn to motivate yourself

Playing the wrong genre

Like most young piano students, I was brought up on classical music. Particularly the Suzuki method. I enjoyed it but I didn’t really appreciate it at the time. When I went to college, I discovered jazz and fell in love with the rich harmonies and virtuosic solos. I thought that was what I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I found 70’s music that I found a genre that motivated me to practice consistently. It was much easier than what I’d done before, sounded great and was alot of fun.

Find the right genre for you

You need a reason

Without a major goal like a gig or event I’m less likely to practice. I got serious about practicing once I decided to pursue music professionally and actually book gigs.

Find your why

You are too comfortable

If you want to be a gigging musician but you have a full time job, the fear of inconsistent income can hold you back. In 2023 I faced some serious career challenges that forced me to take music seriously. The job market slowed down and my desire to have a career that was more authentic to me became stronger. I had to have faith, be comfortable with the unknown, let go of perfectionism and exit my comfort zone.

Have faith

Your practice strategies don’t yield fruitful results

While in college I was advised to work on small sections at a very slow place and then gradually increase the speed. This is not horrible advice but there are other approcahes to take when learning new music. It wasn’t until I had to start learning music quickly for gigs and also learn music for lenghtier gigs that I had to come up with new routines. When you get results from your practice strategies, it motivates you to keep going.

Learn new practice strategies

Comparing yourself to others. Perfectionism.

It is too easy to start comparing yourself to the local musicians, rockstars and social media artists. The grass always seems greener and if you aren’t able to do what they can, the pursuit of music can seem pointless. I had to learn to practice for the joy of it. Don’t be discouraged by prodigies and professionals. You have your own unique reasons and ways and sound as a musician. Embrace that. Be inspired not discouraged. Don’t let the idolization or the jealousy of other musicians keep you from your craft. 

Raise your self esteem

Addiction to smart phone or other vices

In 2018 I had a realization that I was usually only sad when I was on my phone. This led me on a journey to using a flip phone for most of the year. The videos and tik toks will be there later. You have to fight your addictions. Get the support you need to do this. Take good care of yourself. As musicians we use our bodies just as much as our minds. We have to be healthy and deal with our addictions so that we can effectively use our time.

Heal

Not appreciative of the present moment

The present moment. This moment where I feel capable and ready to practice could go away in five or ten minutes. This moment where I have the ability, when I’m actually alive. This moment where my fingers can move. It may not be there tomorrow or the next minute. We think we have forever but we really don’t. Learning to appreciate the present moment is so key.

Live in the present moment

You don’t appreciate your gift

As musicians we associate with and attract other musicians. So it can be easy to forget that most people aren’t musicians. It is truly a gift to be able to play a musical instrument. It requires cognitive and motor ability that some folks just don’t have. If you’ve been blessed with the ability to play an instrument, don’t take it for granted.

Appreciate your gift

You haven’t found your people or your space in music

Piano can be an isolating instrument. We alone are the whole orchestra. Networking and meeting other like minded musicians can keep you inspired. Online forums and local meetups are a great place to start.

Find your people

Hope this helps. If it does, share it with a friend or two.

Best,

Liz

Practice piano with me

www.lizmarion.com/piano-coaching

Liz is a Pianist and Piano Practice Accountability Partner. She has a B.A. in Music and a Mind Body Fitness Certification from NASM. She enjoys motivating and helping aspiring professional Pianists and playing piano at nursing homes.