How to Stay Focused During Practice Time

Learn simple techniques to keep your brain engaged and make your practice sessions more effective. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Set a clear goal. Before you start, write down exactly what you want to finish. Instead of saying 'I will practice piano,' write 'I will play the first three lines of my song without any mistakes.' Keep your goal small and achievable.
2. Clear your space. Remove distractions from your practice area. Put your phone in another room or turn off notifications, and clear away toys or clutter that might catch your eye while you are working.
3. Use the timer method. Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes of 'deep focus.' During this time, commit to only doing your practice task. If your mind wanders, take a deep breath, acknowledge the thought, and gently bring your attention back to your goal.
4. Take a short break. When the timer goes off, stand up and stretch or grab a drink of water for 5 minutes. This helps your brain reset so you can return to your task feeling fresh.