Embarking on the journey of learning a musical instrument is more than just a physical challenge; it’s a mental and emotional adventure too. In this essential guide, we’re diving into the heart of what it truly takes to excel in music. Discover the pivotal role of mindset and motivation, and how these elements can dramatically elevate your learning experience. From the powerful growth mindset to the art of setting achievable goals, we’re unpacking the psychological strategies that will transform your practice sessions. Learn to relish the process, not just the final performance, and find out how internal motivation can be your strongest ally. Patience and persistence are your tools for success. Let’s explore these transformative strategies and set you on the path to musical excellence.
Cultivating the Right Mindset and Motivation
- Embrace the Growth Mindset
- Set Realistic Goals
- Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
- Cultivate Internal Motivation
- Stay Patient and PersistentHere are some helpful things to do when you’re feeling nervous.
1. Embrace the Growth Mindset: Research in psychology, led by Carol Dweck, has shown that individuals with a growth mindset, who believe their abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication, tend to perform better and show greater resilience in the face of challenges. Applying this mindset to learning an instrument means viewing difficulties as opportunities to improve, rather than obstacles.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Setting achievable, short-term goals helps maintain motivation and provides a clear roadmap for progress. This approach is rooted in the psychology of motivation and goal setting, showing that attainable goals boost confidence and encourage continuous effort.
3. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Enjoying the journey of learning, not just the end goal, is crucial. Research in positive psychology indicates that focusing on the process increases enjoyment and decreases anxiety, leading to better performance.
4. Cultivate Internal Motivation: Internal motivation is more powerful than external rewards. Self-determination theory in psychology emphasises the importance of intrinsic motivation for sustained learning and engagement.
5. Stay Patient and Persistent: Progress in music takes time and perseverance. Research in the psychology of learning and motivation underscores the importance of patience and persistence in mastering a skill.
I want to increase the speed of my playing. I work with a metronome but I haven’t been able to increase the speed without also increasing mistakes. I joined a “slow session” and found that I couldn’t keep up even on tunes I know well. I’ve been playing whistle for about 15 years off and on. Before that I played classical guitar for about 20 years. I don’t read music well.
Hi Michael. When it comes to increasing speed the most important thing is patience. Make sure to not increase the tempo of the piece on your metronome until you can play it at the slower pace with no mistakes almost all the time. It is also important to not increase the tempo too much in one go. Try doing it by 5bpm increments and slowly building.
My beautiful McNeela bodhráns are always at arms' length so I can easily and readily pick them up and practice. And I keep these five steps in mind. Maybe on one day I will practice the "seemingly effortless" roll, or triplets…or I put on CD and strive to keep up with the rhythm. In doing so, and to my amazement, I have made friends with my newly-acquired whipper tipper. Something I thought would take much longer. It's now the tipper I reach for first. I will never be great, but that isn't my goal. My goal is to keep learning, keep improving. And with Mr. McNeela's fabulous drums and insights, it's an utter joy!
I’m delighted to hear that, Niquie!
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m looking forward to learning the Irish Whistle. Key of D.
Great company. Great website.
Thanks for the kind words, Luanne!
Thanks for the kind words, Luanne!
I'm just beginning to learn to play my 20 button Anglo concertina . and I am learning on the 5 string banjo from my band leader.