Why is Practicing so hard?

At Fried Music, we are passionate about helping students grow into the musicians they can be. Potential is stagnant and cannot be realized without hard work. Being good at an instrument is not easy. It’s never easy to be exceptional at something - which is what makes it so valuable.

Practicing is one of the greatest challenges in a musician’s journey and it can be the biggest deterrent in a student’s desire to learn a musical instrument. Parents may also find it daunting to take on this arduous (but highly rewarding!) journey with their child. It requires patience, discipline, and the right approach. Many students struggle because:

• They don’t know how to practice. Repeating a piece over and over might feel like the only way to do it, but it’s not effective… and it can be boring.

• They don’t feel progress. Unlike writing or art or something more tangible, musical improvement is not always visible. It can feel like effort without results.

• The piece is overwhelming. The process of learning notes is slow, and pushing through that initial phase requires lots of patience!

• They’re exhausted. With the packed schedules students and adults face on a regular basis, it’s hard to come home and muster the energy to focus.

How to Make Practice More Effective

• Break it down. Work in small sections. Start from the end so you don’t just fall into the habit of playing the whole piece through.

• Trust the process. Musical progress isn’t obvious day-to-day, but weekly lessons are a reliable checkpoint to see growth.

• Be patient. The beginning of learning a piece is always the slowest. Stick with it and trust yourself. It gets easier before you realize it.

• Prioritize practice. Try practicing before doing homework, so you don’t drain your focus before you even begin.

How Long Should I Practice?

The ideal goal is one hour a day. For those who are serious and looking for a profession in classical music, then 3-4 hours a day would be necessary. But life is busy, and we get that.

• On hectic days, 30-45 minutes can be enough, as long as you are consistent and productive.

• On weekends or freer days, split practice into multiple sessions (e.g., 45 minutes, three times a day).

Here’s the hard truth: If you don’t practice regularly, playing becomes less enjoyable. Struggling through music is frustrating, but consistent practice removes that struggle and makes playing rewarding.

Accountability: Join Mr. Ben’s Online Practice Club!

At Fried Music, we believe in the power of community. Musicians grow best when surrounded by like-minded people. Community inspires. It pushes you forward. It holds you accountable.

If you know that you need something to keep you on track, Mr. Ben’s Online Practice Club is here to help. Think of it like a gym buddy—sometimes, just showing up is the hardest part.

How It Works:

• Time: 8-9 PM (after dinner, before bed—the perfect time to focus).

• Who’s it for?

  • Students who struggle to practice consistently.

  • Anyone who prefers practicing later in the day instead of right after school.

  • Parents who are tired of nagging their child to practice—let us take care of that!

📢 Free Trial Week:
February 24 – March 7

Bonus: The student who attends the most sessions during the trial period will receive a $50 gift card to our shop!

📩 Sign up or ask questions at info@friedmusic.com.

Practicing is hard—but it doesn’t have to feel like suffering. With the right support, it becomes the key to unlocking your full potential.