Exercise more, lose weight, learn a new skill – just some of the popular resolutions made every January.
Only two weeks in, and for many people, cracks begin to show.
Six months in and fewer than half (46%) are still committed.
Eventually, only around 9% of people are successful at sticking to their New Year’s resolutions, long-term.
So, if you’ve set yourself the goal of learning to play the piano, mastering a new grade, or just spending less time on tech and playing more, how do you beat those odds and give yourself a fighting chance of success?
At Richard Lawson Pianos, we believe the key lies in understanding some of the common pitfalls that prevent people from achieving their goals.
Hoping for resolution success in 2023? Then read on to understand – and avoid – some of the most common reasons people give up learning the piano.
Reason 1 – it stops being fun
Forcing the kids to practise can be a huge killjoy, making playing the piano a chore rather than an enjoyable activity.
But it’s not just children that need it to be fun – adults do, too!
If putting in playing time starts to feel like yet another task on your endless ‘to do’ list and an added pressure to your day, it will suck the pleasure from playing. Turning what should be chill-out time into a chore.
To keep the fun factor, try to take the pressure off.
Yes, practice is important – but enjoying playing is even more essential. To avoid this pitfall, it pays to be realistic about what can be achieved. Don’t set yourself the target of 30 minutes a day if that’s going to be a real struggle – try for just 10 minutes instead.
Reason 2 – you can’t play when you want to
Do you work shifts? Worried about annoying the neighbours? Is the piano in the lounge, forcing you to have to work around the TV schedule?
There are all sorts of obstacles that can put restrictions on when you play, and before you know it, the weeks have rolled on and you’ve barely touched a note.
But there are ways around this.
Could you move the location of your piano – out of the TV room or away from a neighbouring wall?
You could also consider switching to a silent piano. Hook up to headphones and you’ll have the freedom to play whenever the mood takes you – without stressing about disturbing those around you.
Reason 3 – you haven’t got the right piano
Everyone is different, and for true playing success, you need the right piano for you.
By this, we mean an instrument that suits your playing style, your playing level, and your playing needs.
Fancy the idea of being able to perform with backing music and explore digital capabilities? Then perhaps a digital piano is more your thing. Or are you an accomplished player already, who would progress best on a grand piano? Maybe space is an issue, and you’d prefer the more compact form of an upright.
One piano definitely doesn’t suit all, so it’s important to make sure you have the right fit if you’re going to stick with it.
Reason 4 – you’re making the wrong kind of music
Never feel quite like you’re hitting the right note? Perhaps you’re not!
When was the last time your piano was tuned? Regular maintenance is essential to keep your piano in good condition and performing at its best. So, if you’re getting frustrated that things don’t sound as good as they should, book in a tune and get things back on track.
Tuning aside, it’s also crucial to make sure you play music that you LIKE!
There’s no joy in making music that doesn’t do it for you. Okay, so if you’re working towards a grade assessment, you’ll be restricted – but there’s still an element of choice in the pieces you play, so pick wisely and go for the ones that appeal to you most. Be sure to still make time to play music that moves you – it’s all good practise and will keep the love alive.
Reason 5 – lack of confidence
Keen to learn the piano, but prefer to play when there’s no one around to listen? If having an audience puts you off, then how about switching to a model that allows you to connect with headphones – leaving you to practise in complete privacy?
The key here is to also surround yourself with positivity. If you have a tutor, make sure it’s someone you respond to and who builds, rather than knocks, your playing confidence.
Reason 6 – unrealistic goals
Setting targets can be useful, but it’s important not to let your initial enthusiasm run away with you.
If you’re just starting out – perhaps you haven’t even purchased a piano yet – then you’re hardly likely to be able to achieve grade 5 by next December.
Setting smaller, more attainable goals will boost your confidence and satisfaction levels, helping you to feel like you’re really getting somewhere.
Give 2023 piano resolutions the best chance
Keep your piano playing goals on track for 2023.
At Richard Lawson Pianos, we offer a wide range of pianos for sale from all the leading manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for the perfect beginner’s piano, something for the kids, or an instrument with impressive technical capabilities, we can help.
Not only this, but we also offer piano hire if you’re keen to get learning but would prefer not to fully commit financially just yet.
Talk to the team to find out more, or make an appointment to visit our impressive piano showroom and our friendly team will help you to find the best piano for your needs.
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