How To ACTUALLY Reach Your Piano Goals: 6 Research-Backed Steps
Achieve Your Piano Goals This Year
Have you ever set ambitious piano goals only to abandon them by February? You’re not alone. A staggering 91% of people fail to complete their New Year’s resolutions. But here’s the good news: you can join the successful 9% by following these six research-backed steps.
Before I share these steps, let me tell you why I’m passionate about helping others achieve their piano goals. For more than a decade, I refused to play for people because of severe performance anxiety. Fast-forward to the present, and I can say that I’ve enjoyed many successful solo & duo performances with my mom at venues like Carnegie Hall, state music conventions, and even the World Piano Conference in Serbia. This transformation wasn’t magic—it came from following a specific framework for success.
6 STEPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR PIANO DREAMS INTO REALITY
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DEFINE YOUR SPECIFIC GOAL: Instead of saying “I dream of playing Moonlight Sonata,” say “I have a goal of playing Moonlight Sonata this year.” This subtle shift in language transforms vague wishes into actionable piano goals. The key though is to make your goal measurable. For instance, saying “I will perform Moonlight Sonata for my family at Thanksgiving” gives you both a specific target and deadline.
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WRITE IT DOWN & MAKE IT VISIBLE: Here’s a shocking statistic: about 90% of people achieve their goals when they write down a specific plan of action. Place your written piano goals where you’ll see them daily. This triggers a psychological process called encoding, helping your brain recognize opportunities to make progress.
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FIND THE FORMULA: Success leaves clues. Research how others have achieved similar piano goals and follow their path. When I wanted to overcome performance anxiety, I researched how other musicians handled it. This led me to solutions I wouldn’t have discovered alone.
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DO THE REPS (REPETITION): What separates exceptional pianists from average ones? Consistent practice. The willingness to do the tedious, hard work day after day is crucial. This means practicing scales, arpeggios, and technique even when you don’t feel like it. Remember: great pianists do what others aren’t willing to do!
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MAKE IT FUN & EASY: Transform your piano goals into enjoyable challenges. You could work on duets with friends, join an online piano community, listen to inspiring professional recordings, set up your practice space for easy access (you may need to get a keyboard with headphones so you can practice any time of the day).
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NEVER QUIT: Remember that missing a few practice sessions doesn’t mean failure. Life happens. The key is getting back on track and viewing setbacks as temporary breaks rather than permanent stops.
Setting and achieving piano goals isn’t about talent – it’s about following a proven framework and staying committed. Whether you dream of mastering a specific piece, improving your sight-reading, or overcoming performance anxiety, these six steps can help you join the 9% who turn their musical aspirations into reality.
Watch the complete video here for more details about how to turn your piano dreams into reality.
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by Heather Thompson Smits, NCTM of Brillante Piano Duo
