As the calendar turns to the new year, many of us take a moment to reflect on the past and set our sights on what’s next. This time of year is synonymous with resolutions—whether it’s a commitment to health, personal growth, or, for many musicians, improving their craft.
If you’re looking to get the most out of your practice time in 2025, you’re in good company. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a budding musician, effective practice is the key to unlocking your potential and advancing your skills. Here are six strategies to help you fine-tune your practice habits and make this year a breakthrough year in your musical journey.
1. Tune In to Expert Advice
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to practicing; age, level, learning style, and goals all impact what will be most effective for you. But luckily for you, you’ve got an expert in your corner! Conversations with your teacher can help you identify areas of focus and map out a balanced practice plan.
According to violin faculty and strings department chair Iris Wei, effective practice is rooted in understanding the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing. If you’re struggling to stay motivated or don’t know where to focus, your teacher can help you break things down and map out a personalized practice plan that aligns with your goals. With a solid roadmap in hand, you can make each practice session count.
2. Manage Your Time Wisely
Time is one of your most valuable resources, so managing it well is essential for musical progress. How much should you practice each week? It varies!
For beginners, a consistent 10 minutes a day may be all it takes to make steady progress. However, if you’re interested in pursuing music at the collegiate or professional level, you’ll need to invest more time. Students in the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, for example, commit to practicing at least 10 hours a week. “We want to make sure we are instilling the habits that our fellows will need to be successful in college auditions and beyond,” says student navigator Becca Dora. If you’re serious about advancing, setting aside ample time for intentional, focused practice is key.
3. Make Music a Daily Habit
Even more important than the length of each session is the frequency and consistency. Short, focused sessions can have a profound impact over time.
For Ms. Wei, the most important thing for her beginning students is that they touch their violins every day. She advises parents to pair practice time with something their child already does daily. “If you can attach practice to an existing routine, like brushing teeth or after dinner, it becomes easier to stick to,” she says.
4. Playing with Purpose
Practicing is more than just running through your pieces and calling it a day. To truly improve, it’s crucial to approach each practice session with a specific goal in mind. Whether you’re trying to master a challenging passage or improve your tone, setting clear objectives will help you stay on track and motivated.
Having a clear purpose allows you to measure progress over time and ensures that your practice aligns with your broader musical goals. Instead of mindless repetition or aimless noodling, set a direction for each session.
5. Track Your Progress
As with any goal, tracking progress is essential to staying motivated and seeing results. A practice journal can be an invaluable tool in this process. By noting what went well, what didn’t, and any breakthroughs you had, you create a clear picture of your growth.
After each session, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve accomplished. If possible, record your practice and listen back to it critically. This kind of self-reflection helps you identify areas of improvement and keeps you engaged with your development. When you’re working toward a specific goal, having a record of your progress allows you to see how far you’ve come—and helps you refine your approach for continued growth.
6. Celebrate the Victories
Making time to celebrate your practice wins—big and small—can keep you motivated throughout the year. After all, regular practice is an achievement in itself.
Ms. Wei shares that in her private lessons, she often encourages students to decide on some small, special way to treat themselves after a week of practice. “I’m not above bribes!” she jokes. Students in our Suzuki strings classes often participate in a 100-day practice challenge, where students who practice each day are rewarded with a celebratory pizza party. However you celebrate, take time to acknowledge the time, effort, and hard work you’ve put into improving your craft.
You can make 2025 the year to practice smarter, not harder. By focusing on purposeful, consistent practice and setting clear goals, you can make every session count. Whether you’re aiming for a personal breakthrough or preparing for a professional career in music, these strategies will help you optimize your practice time and scale new musical heights. Here’s to a year of growth, achievement, and beautiful music!
