{"id":6987,"date":"2022-03-03T14:19:48","date_gmt":"2022-03-03T22:19:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=6987"},"modified":"2023-01-09T15:58:21","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T23:58:21","slug":"how-to-stay-motivated-at-the-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-stay-motivated-at-the-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"Piano  Practice Motivation:  How to Keep Playing for Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Let\u2019s face it: staying committed to the piano <em>is hard<\/em>. Piano practice motivation can be lacking some days. And stuff like work, family, and other commitments can sap all your musical time and energy. So when life gets tough, how do you keep going?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone \u2014 even the most virtuosic pianists in the world \u2014 must practice to get good. And here\u2019s the kicker: you\u2019re never \u201cdone\u201d learning piano! There\u2019s <em>always <\/em>a new skill to master, a new song to learn. This can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to get good at piano, and you\u2019re in it for the long haul, this is the article for you. We\u2019ll discuss motivation, learning piano as an adult, share our tips, and tell you <em>exactly <\/em>what you need to practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#motivation\">Motivation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#adult\">Learning Piano as an Adult<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#tips\">Piano Practice Motivation Tips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#practice\">What to Practice<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:20px\"><b>Free Weekly Piano Motivation \ud83d\udcaa<\/b><\/h2><p>Get piano tips and news delivered straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.<\/p><\/center><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"motivation\"><strong>Motivation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding the psychology of motivation can help you optimize your practicing. Motivation is a well-studied topic and there are several ways to understand it:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intrinsic-vs-extrinsic-motivation\">Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-intrinsic-motivation-2795385\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Intrinsic motivation<\/a> is motivation that comes from within. Such as: \u201cI want to practice piano because I enjoy the challenge of learning and perfecting pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellmind.com\/what-is-extrinsic-motivation-2795164\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Extrinsic motivation<\/a> comes from an outside source. Such as: \u201cI want to practice piano because there\u2019s a gig coming up that pays well. The better I play, the more tips I\u2019ll get, so I better practice!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Motivation\/motivation%201.jpg\" alt=\"Piano practice motivation: shot from behind above of woman in blue blouse and platinum hair playing piano.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In general, intrinsic motivation is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/emerging-leaders\/understanding-intrinsic-and-extrinsic-motivation\/#:~:text=Extrinsic%20motivation%20involves%20completing%20a,punishment%20or%20receiving%20a%20reward.&amp;text=Intrinsic%20motivation%2C%20however%2C%20is%20typically,that%20makes%20you%20feel%20fulfilled.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">more effective in the long-term<\/a>. After all, gig tips can vary, and audiences may not enjoy your music as much as you hope. Which isn\u2019t something you can control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you intrinsically enjoy learning how to play piano, you\u2019ll keep going no matter what the external factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"flow-state\">Flow State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/worklife\/article\/20190204-how-to-find-your-flow-state-to-be-peak-creative\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flow<\/a> is a state of consciousness where a person feels fully engrossed in what they\u2019re doing. Time passes quickly and the rest of the world falls away. The flow state can happen among creatives and athletes, and it\u2019s more likely to happen when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The activity is intrinsically rewarding; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The activity is challenging, but not so challenging that it\u2019s frustrating. There is a sense of mastery and confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, though, the activity must be <em>meaningful to you<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Motivation\/motivation%202.jpg\" alt=\"Piano practice motivation. Man's hands playing keyboard synthesizer with many knobs and buttons.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"smart-goals\">SMART Goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a method of goal-setting we believe works well for musicians. Make SMART goals that are <strong>s<\/strong>pecific, <strong>m<\/strong>easurable, <strong>a<\/strong>ttainable, <strong>r<\/strong>elevant, and <strong>t<\/strong>ime-bound.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When we set goals that are vague, it\u2019s difficult to gauge how well we\u2019re achieving them. Having specific goals that are measurable and time-bound helps us focus our energy. And having goals that are relevant and attainable gives us the intrinsic motivation and the skills to achieve them. Keep reading to learn about SMART goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"adult\"><strong>Learning Piano as an Adult<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are unique challenges to learning piano as an adult, but age can also be an advantage. Yes, watching child prodigies is intimidating, but many adults can learn quickly and attain a high level of mastery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"as-an-adult-you-set-your-own-pace-and-your-own-goals\"><strong>As an adult, you set your own pace and your own goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Adults tend to be intrinsically motivated. Whereas children may need a push from their parents to keep practicing, adults have made a conscious decision to learn a skill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"adults-understand-hard-work\"><strong>Adults understand hard work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grown-ups have experienced of school, work, and responsibilities. As an adult, you know that you have to put work in to get a result. Kids are still learning this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading\" id=\"adults-have-existing-musical-knowledge\"><strong>Adults have existing musical knowledge<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they\u2019ve been alive longer, adults have had more exposure to music. You probably know a lot more about music, at least intuitively, than the kid next door. You have preferences, tastes, and existing skills. Like singing, perhaps!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Motivation\/motivation%203.jpg\" alt=\"Piano practice motivation. Woman with glasses in beige sweater playing upright digital piano in home.\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hand-independence-exercises-for-adults\">Hand Independence Exercises for Adults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many adults discover that the most difficult thing to get past is hand independence. You KNOW in your head what your hands are supposed to do, but you just can\u2019t do it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is normal and expected. And you <em>can<\/em> master hand independence. It does require practice though. You can find a library of free <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/technique\/hand-independence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hand independence exercises<\/a> here right on <em>The Note<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tips\"><strong>6 Piano Practice Motivation Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So what\u2019s a piano player to do when they\u2019re in a rut? Luckily, we have six tried and tested tips for you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-expect-that-you-won-t-want-to-practice-at-some-point\">#1: Expect that you won\u2019t want to practice at some point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s natural to feel ambitious when you start something. You tell yourself that you\u2019ll practice an hour a day, every day, and you begin imagining a future in which you\u2019re a piano maestro!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s important to be realistic. You\u2019re human. There <em>will <\/em>be days when you won\u2019t want to practice. So, it helps to plan for these circumstances in advance. Learn to expect them. You\u2019ll be kinder to yourself if you treat yourself like a human with flaws rather than a superhuman with limitless drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The feeling of not wanting to practice is <strong>normal<\/strong>. It just means you need to consider other means of motivating yourself. Such as\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/26140804\/Glam-Piano-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Angled view of Roland V-Piano keyboard in studio.\" class=\"wp-image-5667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/26140804\/Glam-Piano-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/26140804\/Glam-Piano-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/26140804\/Glam-Piano-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/06\/26140804\/Glam-Piano.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-know-your-why\">#2. Know your \u201cwhy\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re feeling disheartened by the piano, remember why you learned how to play it in the first place. Perhaps\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You witnessed an incredible performance by a pianist once, and you want to be just like them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re in love with Chopin\u2019s music and want to play his pieces with ease, any time you want<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Music is something special that you share with an important person in your life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want the health benefits of having music in your life<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Listening to the music you want to play one day can also motivate you to practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So find your why, write it down, and return to it often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-check-in-with-yourself-after-you-practice\">#3. Check in with yourself AFTER you practice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the thing. Nobody ever practices the piano and then walks away thinking, \u201cOh, I wish I hadn&#8217;t practiced piano today.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chances are you\u2019ll feel good after your practice session. Wonderful things happen to your brain when you play piano (take a look at this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ted.com\/talks\/anita_collins_how_playing_an_instrument_benefits_your_brain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TED-Ed video<\/a> to see what we mean). Your brain is better after playing music, and you can use that to \u201chack\u201d your motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How playing an instrument benefits your brain - Anita Collins\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/R0JKCYZ8hng?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, after your practice session, ask yourself how you\u2019re feeling. Then connect this feeling to practicing. \u201cI can feel this great again. I just need to practice to recreate this feeling!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-don-t-neglect-technique\">#4. Don\u2019t neglect technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, technique isn\u2019t why (most) people want to play piano. It\u2019s tedious, boring, and sometimes even frustrating. But trust us: drilling your scales, chords, and arpeggios will make you a better player. You\u2019ll play faster, smoother, and better, which will motivate you to play more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the thought of practicing scales feels like the thought of eating your least liked vegetable, try these:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Focus on just one key or one technique a day, and don\u2019t spend too much time on it. Just make sure you do it!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Practice scales, chords, and arpeggios in whatever key the song(s) you\u2019re working on are in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make your technique practice song-like. We have tons of free tutorials on how to do this (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-practice-routine-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Piano Practice Routine for Beginners<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/beautiful-arpeggios-piano-practice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Beautiful Arpeggio Practice for the Piano<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-practice-piano-scales\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Practice Piano Scales<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-set-concrete-goals\">#5. Set concrete goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What are your piano goals this week? This month? This year? Be specific and set SMART goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f61a30\" class=\"has-inline-color\">S<\/mark>PECIFIC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy goal is to play <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/clair-de-lune-easy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u2018Clair de lune.\u2019<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f61a30\" class=\"has-inline-color\">M<\/mark>EASURABLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy goal is to play \u2018Clair de lune\u2019 at the correct tempo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f61a30\" class=\"has-inline-color\">A<\/mark>CHIEVABLE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI have played pieces slightly easier than \u2018Clair de lune,\u2019 so it\u2019s a realistic piece to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f61a30\" class=\"has-inline-color\">R<\/mark>ELEVANT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want to play \u2018Clair de lune\u2019 for my mother on Mother\u2019s Day because it\u2019s her favorite piece.\u201d (Hint: this is your \u201cwhy\u201d!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f61a30\" class=\"has-inline-color\">T<\/mark>IME-BOUND<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI will learn to play \u2018Clair de lune\u2019 at the correct tempo by Mother\u2019s Day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Writing stuff down helps. You can download <a href=\"https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2020\/How%20To%20Stay%20Motivated\/Motivation-Journal.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this journal page<\/a> or, better yet, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/shop\/practice-planner\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pianote Practice Planner<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-everybody-has-5-minutes\">#6. Everybody has 5 minutes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might not think that a five-minute practice session counts, but it totally does! Just five minutes a day makes a difference, and everyone has five minutes. In fact, practicing five minutes a day every day is better than practicing for an hour once in a blue moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, the next time you have five minutes, don\u2019t open Instagram, don\u2019t check Facebook. Instead, ask yourself, \u201cCan I fit in five minutes of piano instead?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"practice\"><strong>What to Practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2022\/Motivation\/motivation%204.jpg\" alt=\"Bird's eye view of man in suit's hands playing piano with keys highlighted.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re struggling with piano practice motivation, it\u2019s sometimes difficult to figure out what you should practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat should I practice?\u201d is a very common question that we get! These are our suggestions no matter how long our practice is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"warm-up\">Warm-up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Warming up helps you get into the piano-playing mode. It also gets your blood flowing and prevents injury. Make sure you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/perfect-posture-at-the-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">perfect piano posture<\/a> and do some stretches before you start!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"technique\">Technique<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Like eating your vegetables, you <em>do <\/em>need to practice technique. To avoid boredom, make your drills more song-like. And make them relevant by practicing in the same key as a song you\u2019re working on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More tips to make technique more enjoyable include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Practice scales, chords, and arpeggios in the same key as a song you\u2019re working on (make it relevant)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remember that technique will elevate your enjoyment of playing stuff you <em>want <\/em>to play<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make your practices more song-like, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/make-scales-fun\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">like this<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com\/blog\/2021\/Featured%20Box%20images\/Cassi%20Falk%20Piano%20Made%20Easy.jpg\"><center><h3>\ud83c\udfb9 Piano Technique Made Easy \u2728<\/h3><\/center><p>Technique is the foundation to piano playing. If technique has been holding you back from playing the songs you love, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/piano-technique-made-easy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Piano Technique Made Easy<\/a> with Cassi Falk. This course, free with your Pianote membership, will take you through all 12 major and minor keys as you master scales, arpeggios, chords, and more.<\/p><p><\/p><center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/piano-technique-made-easy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CHECK IT OUT<\/a><p><\/p><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"songs\">Songs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Songs are the reason we play piano, so by all means make time for them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be helpful to pick a small handful of songs to focus on at a time. It also helps to have songs from a diversity of genres, so you can cycle through styles if you get bored of one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"something-you-re-good-at\">Something you\u2019re good at<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After a session of difficult practice, it\u2019s sometimes nice to play something you\u2019re confident with. So reward yourself and have fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"get-creative\">Get creative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Improvisation exercises are a good way to round out your practice session. Relax, free your mind, and see what you can come up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a look at some of these free and easy improv lessons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/create-emotion-with-4-notes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Create Emotion With 4 Notes<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/waste-more-time-at-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Waste More Time at the Piano<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/easy-piano-improvisation-exercise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Easy Piano Improvisation Exercises<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-css-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope we\u2019ve inspired you to keep practicing piano, perhaps even for life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Piano practice motivation is <em>hard<\/em>. Some days will be easier than others. Be kind to yourself. You won\u2019t be perfect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And remember: have fun! Piano should feel good. If it doesn\u2019t feel good, think about your why, review your goals, and see if there\u2019s anything you can add to your practice routine to make the experience serve YOU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Happy practicing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weekly-email\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s normal to lose motivation to practice piano from time to time. Here are some tips to keep playing for life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1108,1112],"tags":[1069],"class_list":["post-6987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-musicianship","category-practice-musicianship","tag-gsotp"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6987"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10433,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6987\/revisions\/10433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}