One of the most common things we hear from students is, “I just don’t have time to practise.”
Between school, homework, activities, and wanting time to relax or be with friends, it can feel like there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. And for many students, that feeling is very real.
Recently, one of our teachers, Olga, was talking with her student Patrick about how much his playing and consistency had improved. When she asked what had changed, his answer was thoughtful and honest. With his permission, we’re sharing his reflection in his own words in the hopes that it encourages other students who may be feeling the same way.
“Hi, my name is Patrick and I am in grade 11. I have been playing piano for almost my whole life, and I have since gained a really large interest in playing.
The biggest issue that faced me in the past was I couldn’t find the time to play, and sometimes I had no motivation to after a six hour long school day. I was typically unprepared for my lessons because of this, and I started to get tired of constantly saying I didn’t have time to practise.
This led me to rethink how I was spending my time after school and throughout the day on weekends. A regular day for me looked like going to school and then coming home to watch YouTube or hang out with friends. Though I craved doing these things while bored in school, I knew I was missing out on practising.
Yes, the days I had homework prevented me from practising more than others, but I noticed what I was doing wrong. School wasn’t the main issue preventing me from practising, it was my prioritization.
I realized that if I prioritized practising before my fun stuff, then I would both have more time to do them and also feel more confident playing. This taught me a lot about setting important goals for myself, and how just playing for 30 minutes a day can really make a difference.
So my main point here is there will always be time to practise, you just have to know how to set aside other distractions in order to make time for it.”
Patrick’s experience is one that so many students can relate to.
Finding time to practise is not always about having a perfect schedule. It is often about small shifts in routine and mindset. Even short, consistent practice sessions can lead to noticeable progress, increased confidence, and a greater enjoyment of playing.
We are so proud of the growth Patrick has shown, not just in his playing, but in his approach and discipline.
If this sounds familiar in your home, you are not alone. And sometimes, a small change is all it takes to get back on track.