So far, we’ve learned that what we practice and what we can perform for others are two different things. We’ve also discovered that performing can help resolve many issues in real time. We concluded the last entry with a cliffhanger: What should we do if we don’t have a band to try things out with?…

What we have determined in the first part is something that I am sure any musician has experienced and dreaded: you practice a tune your butt off and you can’t play it correctly in front of an audience. I hinted that the remedy is playing with others. Hmm, the plot thickens. What “others” am I…

As one journeys through learning to play piano or learning to play drums, something weird happens. And like everybody else, I am a victim of this phenomenon. It frustrates me and makes me feel weak like my efforts are not rewarded by what they are due through practice and lifelong playing. Instead of explaining the…

I’ll give you my answer right away: I don’t know the “perfect age” to start learning an instrument. I’ve seen people starting to play piano or drums as an adult hobby in their thirties or even later and ending up as dedicated musicians or even professionals. And it wasn’t luck—it was a lot of hard…

To fit music lessons into a busy schedule, you can: schedule dedicated practice time in your calendar, break practice sessions into smaller chunks, utilize short “in-between” moments, consider online lessons for flexibility, and communicate with your teacher about your availability to find suitable lesson times; essentially, prioritize music practice by treating it like any other important appointment…

Balancing activities with academics or work is important for success and well-being. It can help you:  Here are some tips for balancing activities with academics or work: