So, you’ve decided to learn how to play the piano! Congratulations! Learning to play the piano is a rewarding endeavor that can bring joy to your heart and home for many years (not to mention the cognitive benefits) no matter what age you begin!
But you may be wondering, how can I set realistic goals as an adult piano learner? Wonderful question!
With this post, I set out to answer that question for you.
The Importance of Setting Realistic Goals
Without a doubt, learning to play an instrument of any kind is a multi-year project. Don’t believe the lies of Instagram and Facebook ads telling you any different! I’ve heard mastering any art or craft requires 10,000 hours of practice, not months!
While you might not want to “master” the art of playing the piano, you have likely chosen to learn to play the piano because you were inspired by someone who dedicated those 10,000 hours to their instrument (which is probably why you’ve enjoyed listening to their music!). My guess is also that you hope one day to sound like those artists, or at least somewhere close to them!
These are great aspirations! Believing that most of us are more wildly capable of reaching our goals than we think, my goal as a piano teacher is to help my students reach their audacious goals.
With dedication, time, plenty of practice, and persistence, you can reach your goals (and beyond).
Provides A Reason to Celebrate
One key to mastering an instrument, beyond consistent practice over a long period, is celebration. Pausing to celebrate where you currently are and how far you’ve come is key to gaining momentum in your musical endeavors. Setting realistic goals, especially as an adult learner is a great way to remember to pause to celebrate. When you’ve set goals you can reach, you naturally see the opportunity to celebrate your achievements!
Prevents Discouragement
As adults, we have most likely mastered a few things, like tying our shoes, reading, writing, arithmetic, and a career or hobby. That may seem silly for me to mention, but many of my youth piano students are still learning to achieve these basics in life. For adults, it might have been a while since we struggled to learn something completely new, like learning to speak a second language or a new instrument.
As a result, we can often forget how much time and hard work goes into reaching new skills. We sometimes expect to be able to do things right away, which leads to discouragement, frustrations, and giving up on our goals.
So, when we set realistic goals we can attain, we avoid discouragement which lends to greater motivation to continue studying the piano.
Understanding Your Personal Goals
Understanding what you genuinely want out of piano lessons is the first step to crafting realistic goals. Ask yourself why you are drawn to the piano. Is it the joy of playing your favorite songs, the challenge of learning a new skill, or perhaps pursuing a lifelong dream?
Defining Your Musical Interests
Your musical interests are as unique as your fingerprint. From classical to jazz, blues, or pop, knowing which genre you want to master first can shape your goals. Maybe you'll find yourself captivated by the complexity of classical compositions or the delights of creating your own covers of your favorite bands. Identifying your preferred styles provides a solid foundation for your learning path.
Setting Skill-Based Objectives
Setting skill-based objectives brings a focus to your specific goals. These might include mastering scales, improving sight-reading, or understanding music theory. Aiming to play a challenging piece of music or perfecting your pedal technique can serve as tangible benchmarks, helping you track progress in your musical journey.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Goals
Equally important is distinguishing between short-term and long-term goals. Short-term targets are vital stepping stones that guide you toward your broader musical ambitions. “Learning how to play the piano” is both a vague and overwhelming goal. Remember, mastering an instrument takes years of dedication achieved through the setting of a series of short-term goals. So, get specific about those short-term goals as a way to help you reach your long-term goals.
Creating a Realistic Progress Timeline
Consider creating a progress timeline that covers weeks, months, or even the entire year. Mark specific milestones, like learning a new song each month, a scale a week, or dedicating time weekly to composing simple melodies.
Incremental Challenges
Embrace the idea of tackling incremental challenges. These are small, manageable steps leading toward a more complex goal. Perhaps start with a simple chord progression and gradually add complexity until you're performing a full piece. Each small success builds confidence and momentum!
Establishing a Consistent Practice Routine
No matter how grand your goals, they're unreachable without a solid practice routine. Consistency is the key to reaching your musical goals.
Daily Practice Tips
To fit piano practice into your busy schedule, try carving out a small, dedicated time slot each day. Even 10 minutes, when applied regularly, can lead to substantial improvements. Use time-saving practice techniques, like focused practicing, where you concentrate on specific sections or skills. (Check out my articles on practicing tips here and here.)
Finding Accountability and Support
Joining a music group can motivate you. The community support and external feedback can push you through plateaus and inspire continued growth.
Measuring Success and Adjusting Goals
Reflecting on your progress is just as important as setting goals. It's a reality check that can reaffirm your path or indicate necessary adjustments.
Self-Assessment Techniques
Utilize self-assessment techniques such as recording your practice sessions or maintaining a practice journal. (Check out the practice journal I wrote: Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal.) These resources help you objectively assess your skills and track your improvements over time.
When to Reassess Your Goals
Know when to change direction. If a goal feels too easy or overly challenging, it's time to reassess. Goals should push you while remaining within reach. Adjusting them as you grow ensures continued motivation and engagement with your instrument.
Hire a Teacher
Hiring a teacher can help you create and achieve successive short-term goals so you can reach your long-term goals. Their experience and perspective can help you set the right goals for you, celebrate your musical growth milestones, fast-track your learning, guide you in overcoming challenges, and help you stay motivated to reach your goals.
Setting Flexible and Realistic Goals
Setting realistic goals as an adult piano learner transforms the overwhelming to the achievable.
After reading this article, you still might be wondering, “How do I set these goals? I’m not quite sure what I want or how to get there!”
That’s okay! Part of playing an instrument is experimenting. Try out a goal for a while, see if it fits, then adjust. Perhaps you thought at first that you wanted to learn how to read music and play classical music, but after giving that a try you decide that genre isn’t for you.
If that happens, pivot! You won’t know what you like and don’t like or what types of goals work for you until you try.
Music is so versatile. Find a style and way of playing that fits you and your personality, then make it your own with time and dedication.
Every step of the way is a milestone to be celebrated on your path to reaching your musical goals.
Happy Playing!
If learning you are looking for a piano teacher who can help you set and reach realistic goals, , I would be honored to help in your musical journey.
It is my true delight to bring the joy of music into hearts and homes through personalized remote piano lessons that will leave you feeling inspired and accomplished.
The process is simple:
1. Schedule a call to talk about your goals.
2. Select a lesson time.
3. Take your first lesson!
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Explore. Learn. Implement. Grow.
If you are looking for additional support and encouragement in your musical journey, check out Notes to Self: A Guided Mindful Practice Journal designed to bring mindfulness and celebration to your practice sessions.
Are you an adult musician looking for community with other adults actively pursuing the skill of mastering an instrument? If so, you are invited to join my Facebook Group, Notes to Self Musical Community: A Supportive Group for Adults. I hope to see you there!