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

How to prepare for low-motivation practice days

Includes a guided meditation for musicians and music students

Practice space

New videos Monday - Saturday

Subscribe to the podcast

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.

In this video, I share one of my most useful tools: a simple, pre-prepared “bare minimum” routine you can fall back on when motivation is low. This kind of practice helps you show up gently, keep your strength and agility in shape, and stay consistent without needing extra brainpower. I’ll talk about how to build a routine that works for your instrument, how I use mine on double bass and voice, and why having it ready makes such a difference.

The video ends with a short guided meditation to help you reset, breathe, and ease into your next session — no pressure, just presence.

 

More like this…

Practice Space
How to stay motivated when teaching yourself music
How to stay motivated when teaching yourself music

When we are learning music, especially if we are teaching ourselves, we often just want someone to hand us a method book and tell us exactly what to practice.

Feeling stuck in your music practice?
Feeling stuck in your music practice?

When we learn an instrument or to sing, some days feel amazing, some feel frustrating, and some even feel boring.

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.

Can't get started with practice today?
Can't get started with practice today?

Feeling low on motivation to practice music today? It happens — sometimes for days, weeks, or even longer.

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.

Feeling flat or uninspired in your music practice?
Feeling flat or uninspired in your music practice?

Have you ever felt that rush of inspiration when you first discover something new? But then, the second time you watch, listen to, or read that same thing, it doesn’t have the same power.

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.

Time and routine, Feeling lowErica Bramham