5 Tips for Setting (and Keeping) your New Year's Resolution (12/18/2022)

We get it - New Year’s Resolutions aren’t exactly a sure bet. Year after year, the statistics show that more people fail than succeed at reaching the goals they set for themselves on January 1. But don’t be discouraged! We’ve got 10 tips for boosting your odds of success and helping you make (and keep) your musical resolution in 2023!

1. Put practice time on your calendar - 

 No one ever improved their skill on a musical instrument without practice, but sometimes just finding the time to practice can be the most difficult part! Even if it’s only 15-20 minutes a day, regular practice is what will help you improve. When you’ve already got a busy schedule, actually picking a time and setting it aside can help make your practice a habit. Sit down weekly and put your planned practice times on your calendar or in your planner or even just set alarms on your phone to give yourself a daily reminder to stick with it!

2. Have a proper warm up- We’ve all skipped the warm up a time or two (or maybe even more often than that), but warming up before practice and performances can  build up strength, improve your overall skill and fluency, and really get you ready to have a successful practice season. This year, resolve to come up with a quick warm-up that you never skip! If you don’t want to do the exact same thing every day, come up with a few variations, and stick to them! We suggest asking your lesson instructor for their favorite warmups

3. Speaking of a lesson instructor: Start (and stay in!) a lesson program 

 If you’re already part of our lesson program, great! That’s one step down. If not, now is the time to find a teacher and get going. Your teacher won’t just help you learn how to play, they’ll also keep you on track with practicing and make sure you’re not developing bad habits or technique. Like having a gym buddy, your teacher will hold you accountable for putting in the time needed to keep that resolution. Just as important is staying in lessons once you start! After a long day at work or school it can often be tempting to cancel your lesson in favor of going home or grabbing a drink with friends. When you feel the urge to skip a week, remind yourself why you wanted to learn in the first place and think about the progress you’ve made. Also remember that your teacher has set aside time for you and they are expecting you. Things like family emergencies and coming down with the flu are bound to happen once in a while and that’s okay, but try to avoid those “my dog ate my lesson book” weeks.

4. Share your goals and your progress! 

 Let your lesson teacher know that you’re working towards new goals and they’ll help you stay on track. You can even share your goals with the retail staff when you come in for lessons - we love to talk about what you’re working on and would be thrilled to cheer you on along the way! 

5. Perform for others

First, let us say that stage fright is completely normal, and nearly every musician deals with it to some degree. But one of the best ways to stay motivated is to work towards a goal - and to share your new skill with others. Take advantage of recital opportunities through Ernie Williamson or plan to perform for friends and family (or do both!). 

We're excited to start the new year and help you reach your musical goals! Happy practicing!