Breaking Through A Practice Plateau

Have you been practicing regularly but still feel like you’re not improving? It’s a common and frustrating experience for every musician. Progress doesn’t always move in a straight line, and sometimes the effort you put in doesn’t seem to match the results you get.

The good news is that plateaus never last. If you keep working with focus and patience, you’ll move past this phase. Often, a burst of progress follows right after a slow period.

So what can you do when you feel stuck?

Figure Out What’s Holding You Back

Start by asking yourself what’s really causing the plateau. Are you struggling with a certain technique? Are you feeling unmotivated or uninspired? If it’s a technical issue, try finding new ways to approach it. Look up other exercises or explanations. Sometimes it helps to step away from that technique for a bit and come back later. You might find it feels easier after a short break.

Change Up Your Practice

A small change in your routine can make a big difference. If you’re focused on speed, slow things down to clean up the details. If you’ve been practicing slowly, try pushing the tempo. Experiment with new rhythms, bowings, or even different positions. These small shifts keep your mind engaged and help you see the music in a new way.

Bring Back Your Motivation

If you feel uninspired, try learning something fresh. Pick a song in a new style or a tune you simply enjoy. Make a list of pieces that make you feel good when you play them and include one in every practice session. Also, find people to play with if you can. Playing alone is great, but playing with others often brings back the excitement that got you started.

Remember Why You Started

Think back to what made you want to play in the first place. What excited you about music? Reconnecting with that feeling can remind you why you love playing and help you stay motivated. Keep Going Plateaus are part of every musician’s journey. You’re not alone, and they never last forever.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and find ways to enjoy the process. You’ll come out the other side stronger and more confident in your playing.