The biggest hurdle to achieving progress in music is fitting practice in. This is true of a beginner pianist as well as an advanced musician. So what is the secret?
Well, the simplest way is to break up your practice. What I mean is, if you need to do your scales and you’re also learning two new pieces, allocate two time slots in your day for it rather than trying to do one big practice.
Personally I like to play the piano while I’m waiting for my breakfast to cool, before I start my day. This could be just 5-10 minutes if you are a beginner, and that could be enough to play through a couple of scales and then a little bit on one of your pieces.
Just be mindful of doing focused practice. That is, if you are playing for 5, 10 or 40 minutes, choose a specific purpose to your practice. It is not particularly useful just to mindlessly run through the pieces – you will find that your progress is slow if you practice that way. But if you choose something specific you’re working on (i.e. be present!) then even 5-10 minutes can make a big difference.
So, break it up! A shorter practice in the morning, then another in the afternoon/evening. Every time you sit at the piano, you’re there with a specific purpose in mind. And before you know it, your progress will soar.