Essential Steps To Success In Learning Piano
Why do so many people fail to reach their long-term musical goals? Wherever you turn, some "guru" is espousing the benefits of setting monumental goals, yet the sheer weight of a five-year vision can often become the very thing that prevents us from ever starting.
While having a dream is helpful, monumental goals like "losing 15 kilos in 6 weeks" or "completing the Musiah course in 6 months" are psychologically daunting. Focusing solely on a far-off "golden day" when you've finally "made it" reduces the present moment to a mere means to an end. This is no way to live, and it is certainly no way to learn an instrument.
The "Penny" Philosophy Of Goal Setting
If long-term goals are problematic, what is the alternative? In relation to money, there is an old saying: "Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves." In my view, goals are much the same. If you look after the small goals, the bigger goals will look after themselves.
I learned this lesson in my younger years when I used to be an artist specializing in original oil paintings. If I was working on a large canvas that would take weeks to finish, the hardest brush stroke was always the first one. To me, that stroke represented weeks of toil. Today, I would approach it differently: I would set a small manageable goal to block in colors one day, and maybe to paint one specific rock or tree stump the next. By completing a manageable task each day, the journey becomes enjoyable and the masterpiece takes care of itself.
How Over-Confidence Leads To Early Quitting
I often receive emails from prospective students saying, "I’m going to finish the whole Musiah course in 6 months—what will I do after that?" Before they have even started, they have convinced themselves that 6 years of traditional tuition will be so easy that it won't represent a challenge. Usually, these are the students most likely to quit within the first few lessons.
I made this same mistake recently with an intensive 90-day exercise program. I initially failed because I focused too much on the end goal and discounted the journey. On my second attempt, I’m "blitzing" it. The difference? I trust the instructor’s expertise, and I never think about the 90-day mark. I only think about the workout I have to do today.
The 10-Minute Rule For Sustainable Success
This is the essence of effective learning. Since learning piano is a long-term endeavor, I advise my students to set a minimum practice time of just 10 minutes a day (5 days a week), preferably at the same time each day. Even if you are busy or tired, 10 minutes is sustainable. You would be amazed at what can be achieved through that consistent, small investment of time.
When you sit down to practice, don't aim to master the whole song. Instead, set a goal to master just two bars—first with the left hand, then the right, then both. The next day you’ll do the next two bars, and so on, and gradually, your larger goal of completing the song will take care of itself. You will enjoy the journey — the feeling of successfully completing a small goal every time you practice.
Take Your First Step With Musiah
If your larger goal is to learn to play piano, let Musiah — the piano lessons app with an AI teacher guide you one small step at a time.
The very first step is simple: take our 14 Day Free Trial. From there, just meet your daily minimum of 10 minutes practice, enjoy the journey, and the larger goal will take care of itself.
Whether you are looking for beginner piano lessons for adults or a new hobby for your child, the secret to success is the same: look after the small goals.
WIshing you every success on your musical journey,
Brendan Hogan L.Mus.A, A.Mus.A.
Piano Teacher & Musiah Inventor
