Stay Motivated to Practice Your Instrument During the Holidays & Winter Season

sophiasahmad
5 days ago
2 min read

When the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to let practice slide. But winter and the holiday season can actually be the perfect time to deepen your musical skills—if you approach it with creativity and intention. Here’s how to turn cozy nights and festive energy into your most productive practice season yet.

1. Embrace the Season as a Musical Opportunity

Think of winter as your personal “artist residency.” The slower pace and indoor time create space for:

Technique building: scales, arpeggios, and exercises you’ve been meaning to master.
Memory projects: pick one piece to memorize by New Year’s.
Repertoire polish: refine a favorite piece for performance or recording.

Pro tip: Attach practice to a daily winter ritual—after your morning coffee or right after dinner. Consistency beats motivation every time.

2. Make Practice Festive

The holidays offer natural motivation:

Plan a mini-recital: perform for family during a holiday gathering.
Learn seasonal music: add carols or winter-themed pieces to your repertoire.
Create a countdown challenge: 24 short goals leading up to the holidays (e.g., “Play mm. 9–16 hands together,” “Metronome at 76 bpm”).

3. Warm Up for Cold Weather

Cold hands can lead to tension. Before you play:

Do gentle wrist circles and finger taps.
Start with slow, legato scales to warm up muscles.
Keep your practice space comfortable—warm lighting and a small heater can make a big difference.

4. Build a Cozy Practice Nook

Make your space inviting:

Add a festive decoration or a candle.
Keep your instrument ready and music open.
Create a “Tea & Tempo” ritual: warm drink + metronome + first scale.

5. Use Short, Focused Sessions

If holiday schedules are packed, aim for quality over quantity:

10 min: Warm-up and scales.
15 min: Focus on one tricky section.
5 min: Run-through or record a short clip.

Even 20–30 minutes a day can keep your skills sharp.

6. Add Accountability

Share a quick video with a family member or friend.
Sign up to play in our next recital!
Set a goal to record and share one piece by January.

7. Plan for Post-Holiday Momentum

Start the new year strong:

Day 1: Polish 16 bars and record.
Day 2: Technique reset.
Day 3: Full run-through.
Day 4: Memorization focus.
Day 5: Share a performance clip.

Final Thought

Winter invites us to slow down and savor the music. The holidays give us an audience and a reason to celebrate progress. Combine both, and you’ll enter spring with stronger skills, deeper artistry, and maybe even a few cherished musical memories.