How to Stay Motivated When Learning Music

Learning music can be one of the most rewarding things you ever do—but let’s be honest: it’s also one of the easiest passions to give up on. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or returning after years away, it’s completely normal to hit motivational slumps.

The good news? Motivation isn’t magic—it’s strategy. With the right habits and mindset, you can push through plateaus and stay inspired long after the honeymoon phase fades.

Here’s how to stay motivated when learning music—no matter your skill level or schedule.

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

Vague goals like “get better at piano” sound nice, but they don’t provide direction or drive. Instead, focus on specific, measurable objectives:

• "Learn to play the intro to 'Clocks' by Coldplay this week"
• "Memorize 3 major scales by next weekend"
• "Record myself playing a full song by the end of the month"

According to the American Psychological Association, clear goal-setting improves focus, confidence, and long-term commitment to skill development.

Read the research

Pro Tip: Use a habit tracker or music journal to stay accountable and reflect on your progress.

2. Celebrate Small Wins (Seriously)

Don’t wait until you’ve mastered a full song or played your first gig to feel proud. Micro-achievements fuel motivation. Finishing a verse, learning a new chord, or surviving your first band rehearsal all count.

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman explains that celebrating small wins activates dopamine, the brain’s motivation molecule. When you mark progress—even subtly—it makes you want to keep going.

hubermanlab.com

Try This: After each session, write down one thing you improved. Reflect on your growing skills rather than what still feels hard.

3. Mix Up Your Practice Routine

Let’s face it: drilling the same scales for 30 minutes a day gets old fast.

Instead, build a rotating practice routine:

• Warm-up with a favorite song
• Spend 10 minutes on technical skills (scales, timing, finger exercises)
• End with creative play—improv, writing, or jamming

This balance of structure and spontaneity keeps things fresh and reduces burnout.

4. Play Music You Actually Enjoy

You don’t need to wait until you're “good enough” to play music you love. In fact, making time for songs you enjoy—even if they’re simplified versions—keeps you emotionally connected to your instrument.

As neuroscientist and author Daniel Levitin writes in This Is Your Brain on Music, emotional attachment to music accelerates learning by reinforcing neural patterns.

More from Daniel Levitin

Tip: Create a “passion playlist” of songs that inspire you to learn and revisit it whenever you're in a slump.

5. Surround Yourself with Other Musicians

Music can be deeply personal, but motivation grows when you share it with others. Being part of a music community helps you:

• Stay accountable
• Learn from others' progress
• Get constructive feedback
• Find opportunities to collaborate or perform

Whether it’s a Reddit challenge, Discord jam session, in-person open mic, or online collab, these connections remind you: you’re not alone.

6. Document Your Journey

It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come—especially when progress feels slow.

Try:

• Recording a video once a week
• Posting audio clips to private socials or music groups
• Keeping a notebook of what you’ve learned

Revisiting earlier recordings can be shockingly motivating when you see how much you’ve improved.

7. Push Through Plateaus with New Challenges

Plateaus are inevitable. When you feel stuck, don’t quit—change your strategy.

Try:

• Learning a song in a completely different genre
• Practicing with a metronome or drum loop
• Switching instruments for a session (even virtually via MIDI)
• Taking on a music challenge (e.g., 30-day songwriting or daily improv)

A fresh challenge can reignite curiosity and momentum.

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Want more strategies, inspiration, and insider tips?

• Practice Tips for People with No Musical Background
• Music Learning Tips for People Who Think They’re “Tone Deaf”
• Should You Learn One Instrument or Multiple?

Final Thoughts: Motivation Follows Action

Don’t wait until you feel motivated to sit down and play. Most of the time, taking action creates momentum—not the other way around.

You’re not alone in the ups and downs of learning music. Every musician—pro or beginner—has days of doubt. But with the right tools, strategies, and support, you can stay inspired for the long haul.

Remember: consistency beats perfection, and joy beats pressure. Keep showing up. The music will meet you there.