No time to practice music?

Time and routine
Written By Erica Bramham

How to build a music practice habit that sticks

Includes a guided meditation for musicians and music students.

Practice Space

New videos Monday - Saturday

Subscribe to the podcast

Struggling to fit music practice into your day? You’re not alone. For many students, it’s not a lack of motivation but simply not knowing where practice fits in their schedule.

In this video, I talk about habit chaining — a simple way to link your practice to something you already do every day. I share the story of a student who built a consistent routine by practicing right after her evening shower, and how small changes like this can make a big difference.

This is especially helpful if you’re new to practicing regularly or want to build a routine that sticks. And if you already have an established routine, habit chaining can help you add new practice habits without overwhelming yourself.

The video ends with a short guided meditation to help you shift gears and get ready to begin.

More like this…

Practice Space
Why your music practice will feel better with airplane mode on
Why your music practice will feel better with airplane mode on

It’s so easy to get pulled out of practice by a ping, a message, or the temptation to scroll. Even when we’re trying to practice, our devices often make it harder to stay focused.

How to make it easier to start your music practice
How to make it easier to start your music practice

Sometimes the hardest part of practicing is just getting started. The music stand is empty, your instrument’s still in its case, and everything feels like a chore.

What to do when you have too much to practice
What to do when you have too much to practice

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your practice list just keeps getting longer. There’s so much you could be doing—and it can start to feel like you’re always falling short.

Don’t have time or energy to practice music today?
Don’t have time or energy to practice music today?

Feeling too tired for a full practice session? It’s okay to turn back halfway.

Build a consistent practice habit as a beginner
Build a consistent practice habit as a beginner

It’s easy to lose momentum when you’re learning a new instrument or returning after a break.

Need an extra push in your music practice?
Need an extra push in your music practice?

Sometimes internal motivation just isn’t enough, especially if you’re an adult learning an instrument.

Facing a mountain in your practice?
Facing a mountain in your practice?

When you’re working on a piece that feels too hard, it’s easy to feel stuck or lose confidence. The mountain seems too big, and you can’t imagine ever reaching the top.

Don't feel like practicing? Just put on your running shoes
Don't feel like practicing? Just put on your running shoes

Sometimes the hardest part of practicing music is just getting started. Borrowing advice from running coaches: when you don’t feel like running, just put on your shoes and step outside.

No time to practice music?
No time to practice music?

Struggling to fit music practice into your day? You’re not alone. For many students, it’s not a lack of motivation but simply not knowing where practice fits in their schedule.

The one thing I do on days I don’t feel like practicing music
The one thing I do on days I don’t feel like practicing music

Some days, music practice feels like a big ask, but staying connected to your instrument or voice doesn’t have to mean pushing through with full energy.

Did you skip music practice this week?
Did you skip music practice this week?

If you haven’t practiced your instrument or sung in a while, perfectionism might be holding you back.

Erica Bramham
Previous

Don't feel like practicing? Just put on your running shoes
Next

How to start improvising