As promised. I recently wrote a post about how to implement new tiny practice habits in your life, but as I mentioned, that’s really only going to work for someone who is already motivated to practice, someone who wants to grow musically and is willing to do some work. If a student isn’t motivated in that area, they won’t develop new healthy practice habits.

But, if you can find another motivation, something else that they want, that music can give them—then you are on to something. This story illustrates that point beautifully in a student that gets it! Maybe you don’t want to practice, or you have a child that doesn’t want to practice. Encourage them or yourself to think a little less about the specific of practicing music and more about what the music can do for them. Do you ever have those moments in your day when you just need a break? Maybe you are stressed, anxious, completely flustered with what you are currently doing. Sit down at the piano or with whatever your instrument is. Start with something you enjoy, something that makes you feel good, and just play. Find what you are looking for!

Did you find it? If you found it, and you are starting to feel relaxed, at peace, de-stressed, then maybe run some scales or look at whatever you have been working on for 5-10 minutes. Do that every time you need that and you will create a beautiful new habit, be a healthier you, and find a new love for music—probably all while growing as a musician too!

So here’s the story:

I was so thrilled the other day when one of my young piano students got it! And I’m not even talking about the music itself. I mean, he’s growing of course. But he’s finally getting that music is about so much more than the music itself. He turned to me and said, you know I am starting to realize that piano can be really good for me, and almost like a meditation or some kind of release. Even if I don’t want to practice, I’m starting to realize that it’s really good for me throughout my week if I am stressed, anxious, or just need a break from whatever else, that I can sit down at the piano and it’s like al that other stuff doesn’t matter when I am there.

I was so excited for him! This! 1000 times this! Of course, we love it when students want to practice and want to learn! But music is about so much more than the music itself. Music is about who it serves, how it serves people, what it can do for people in bringing hope, comfort, peace, joy, release, an opportunity for expression, a means to bring people together! Everyone needs what this student was talking about, and the beauty is, really when you sit down at the piano, or with your guitar, violin, cello, or trumpet in those moments—you don’t just get what you need emotionally and as an individual, you also grow musically! It’s a win win situation.

So what are you waiting for? Will you seek an oasis on your instrument this week?