Unveiling the Treasure: The Power of Consistent Music Practice

With over 20 years of experience teaching piano, including the last decade in Williamstown - Melbourne, Australia, I am compelled to share insights to support students of all ages, especially those embarking on their musical journey. In my observation, family, formal education, community, and environment all play vital roles in ensuring alignment between students and their families in this musical journey.

While the piano may appear deceptively simple at first, it often proves to be a challenging instrument to master in the long term. Each instrument has its unique path to mastery, ranging from individual practice to ensemble experiences.

The process of learning an instrument typically progresses through four stages: motivation, action, performance, and evaluation, forming a continuous cycle of improvement.

"Discovering a New World: The Hyperuranious Euphoria"

Learning to play an instrument, such as the piano, is akin to exploring a new language or world. It's exhilarating for students to immerse themselves in the world of music through their chosen instrument. However, establishing a practical routine early on is essential to sustain this euphoric state. Reflecting on one's relationship with the instrument and setting goals for success are crucial aspects of this process.

While students at Crescendo Music School typically have weekly lessons lasting 30, 45, or 60 minutes, it's crucial to acknowledge that progress extends beyond these sessions. Daily practice, documented in a practice diary, reinforces technical skills, notation reading, and music theory. This structured approach, coupled with sustainable success, lays the foundation for students to gradually build confidence and derive joy from playing their instrument as they progress on their musical journey.

This process involves three key stages: organization - mapping the new territory, punctuality - routine, and cleanliness - error/success - in classes and at home. Even if one may not particularly enjoy adhering to this routine, it's necessary for achieving desired outcomes. For instance, I recommend to my beginner students and parents in our cultural environment to allocate 15 minutes each morning to their practice diaries before heading to school. During this time, they can review the previous lesson and subsequently practice while their parents prepare their lunchboxes for example. With lessons typically lasting 30 minutes, the remaining 15 minutes can focus on reviewing the previous lesson and learning new elements for subsequent mastery.

"The Breakthrough Moment of Progress"

Undoubtedly, consistent practice is essential for progress in any endeavor, whether it be dance, art, sports, singing, or any other discipline. Upon enrollment at Crescendo Music School, it's crucial to recognize that commitment extends beyond the weekly instrumental lessons. Students and teachers enter into an agreement wherein dedicated time for practice at home is equally vital. Therefore, sharing this responsibility with parents is crucial to ensure the student's success. For adult students, this commitment lies solely between student and teacher, although family support is also important.

In my experience, students of all ages derive immense enjoyment from music when they can confidently play their instrument. This confidence stems from regular practice, showcasing their abilities, understanding, and creativity.

During instrumental lessons, we're not solely acquiring musical elements from the repertoire and instrumental principles; rather, we're engaging in a comprehensive methodology that forms the basis of our musical foundation for the future. Moreover, we learn the essential skill of effective practice. This dynamic continues during individual practice sessions at home, where the interplay between "error" and "success" remains inherent throughout the process of learning a song and mastering an instrument. Perfection remains an elusive concept in the arts. I draw a parallel between "patience" and "peace" during the instrumental lesson and practice process; they appear to be synonymous.

"Planting the Seeds for the Future"

Beyond mere expectations, the experience of learning a musical instrument becomes a lifelong journey filled with cherished memories. Technique, note reading, and music theory serve as the seeds for nurturing musical understanding in the short and long term for our students at Crescendo Music School. Even if they take a hiatus from playing the instrument, this knowledge remains with them, ready to be revisited in the future or transferred to another musical endeavor. Acquiring these skills requires consistent hard work and practice routines.

The development of consistent practice fosters a personal connection with oneself and a relationship with the instrument. This culture of practice begins with beginners and solidifies at the intermediate level. As students progress to the advanced level, philosophical considerations regarding identity and authenticity become integral to musical decision-making.

Instrumental training opens doors to new discoveries in the musical journey, akin to embarking on an adventure in a new world. This commitment encourages students to explore uncharted territories in their musical pursuits, reminiscent of uncovering "El Dorado" for adventurous spirits.