For many of us, New Year’s resolutions are heavy with responsibility, usually including health and exercise, work and finances, and even family relationships. One thing often overlooked in the resolution process is fun hobbies or passions such as playing the piano.
Incorporating fun resolutions related to hobbies and passions into New Year’s resolutions enhances motivation and joy in goal-setting. These resolutions, focusing on personal interests and enjoyment, provide a healthy balance to more serious goals. They foster personal growth, creativity, and stress relief. In this article, we share some of our favorite piano-player resolutions for the new year.
10 New Years Resolutions for Piano Players
As the New Year approaches, it’s the perfect time for piano players to set musical goals and resolutions to improve skills, repertoire–and enjoyment–in the new year. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, consider these resolutions to reinvigorate your piano playing passion.
1. Master a New Genre
Embrace diversity in your playing by exploring a new genre. If you’re a classical pianist, delve into jazz or contemporary styles, and vice versa. This will not only broaden your musical horizons but also enhance your versatility as a pianist.
2. Commit to Daily Practice
Consistency is key in musical development. Set aside a specific time each day for practice, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Even shorter, more regular, focused practice is more effective than sporadic, lengthy sessions.
3. Learn a Challenging Piece
Challenge yourself by selecting a piece that pushes your technical and musical boundaries. Tackling a challenging composition will not only improve your skills but also provide a great sense of accomplishment once mastered.
4. Improve Sight-Reading Skills
Dedicate time to enhance your sight-reading abilities. Use sheet music you’ve never seen before and gradually increase the difficulty. This skill will make you a more adaptable and confident pianist.
5. Experiment with Improvisation
Break free from sheet music and explore the world of improvisation. Start with simple chord progressions and gradually incorporate more complex elements. Improvising will enhance your creativity and musical intuition.
6. Record and Reflect
Record your playing regularly and listen critically. This allows you to identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time. Additionally, sharing your recordings with friends or online communities can provide valuable feedback.
7. Attend Piano Workshops or Classes
Join piano workshops, masterclasses, or online courses to learn from experienced musicians and instructors. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide motivation and new insights into your playing.
8. Explore Digital Music Software
Familiarize yourself with digital music software and explore the possibilities it offers for composition, arrangement, and recording. Integrating technology into your musical journey can open up exciting avenues for creativity. Digital pianos can also be an extremely useful tool in improving skills, repertoire, and additional musical skills such as improvisation, sound mixing, and more.
9. Cultivate Performance Skills
Conquer stage fright by regularly performing in front of friends, family, or even small audiences. Building performance skills is crucial for any musician and will contribute to your overall confidence as a pianist.
10. Share Your Music
Whether through social media, local events, or virtual platforms, share your musical journey with others. Connecting with an audience, no matter how small, can be incredibly rewarding and motivating.
Final Thoughts
As you embark on a new year of musical exploration, these resolutions for piano players can help enrich your playing, spark creativity, and bring joy to your musical journey. By setting and committing to these goals, you’ll not only refine your skills but also cultivate a deeper love for the piano and the beautiful language of music. Here’s to a harmonious and melodic New Year filled with musical achievements and joyous notes!
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About the Author
Mikelle Despain
Piano Insights Author
Mikelle is a classically trained pianist and former piano teacher who has been in the piano retail industry for over 20 years. Her dream piano is a Yamaha S5X. She currently provides expert insights for Piano Gallery to share information and advice for buying, playing, and enjoying the piano. When she's not writing or playing piano, she's spending time with her four kids, tending her vegetable garden, boondock camping, hiking, or cooking overly-extravagant meals for friends.
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