How to Build Realistic Goals in Music Learning
Learning music is an exciting journey, but the key to steady progress lies in setting achievable,
realistic goals. Many new learners feel enthusiastic yet overwhelmed, wanting to master
complex pieces overnight. But in music, as in any other discipline, realistic goal-setting provides
a clear, structured path forward, fostering motivation and preventing burnout. Here’s how to
approach goal-setting in a way that ensures meaningful, steady progress.
Break Goals Into Manageable Steps
A good way to start building realistic goals is to break them down into manageable steps.
Instead of aiming to play an entire song perfectly, begin with smaller sections. For example, if
you're learning guitar, a reasonable first goal might be mastering one or two basic chords. Once
you feel comfortable with those, you can work on chord transitions before moving on to more
complex strumming patterns. This step-by-step approach is often referred to as “chunking,” and
it’s a powerful strategy for mastering complex skills.
Consider a beginner piano student who wants to play Beethoven’s “Fur Elise.” A realistic first
goal might be learning just the opening phrase with correct fingering. After that, they could aim
to play it fluidly at a slower tempo before moving on to the next part. This structured approach
makes each section attainable, allowing for steady, satisfying progress.
Focus on Skill-Building Over Time Limits
While it's helpful to have timeframes, avoid putting too much pressure on finishing something by
a certain date. Instead, build goals around skills rather than deadlines. For instance, rather than
saying, "I want to learn this song in two weeks," try setting a goal like, "I want to be able to play
these chords cleanly." This shifts the focus from speed to skill, ensuring that you’re not just
rushing through but truly absorbing and mastering the techniques. Jazz saxophonist Charlie
Parker famously said, “Master your instrument, master the music and then forget all that and
just play.” His advice reminds us that true mastery is about understanding, not just speed.
Use the SMART Goal Framework
The SMART framework—setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and
Time-Bound—can be helpful for music learning. For instance, let’s say your broad goal is to
improve finger dexterity on the violin. A SMART goal would look like this: “I will practice finger
exercises for 10 minutes every day, working up to 100 beats per minute over the next two
weeks.” By making it specific (finger exercises), measurable (100 bpm) and achievable (10
minutes daily), you’ve created a goal that’s realistic yet pushes you forward.
Set a Series of Short-Term Goals That Lead to a Long-Term Goal
Building realistic goals often involves creating a series of smaller, short-term goals that support
a larger, long-term goal. If your long-term goal is to play in a jazz band, for example, your
short-term goals could include learning basic scales, studying jazz rhythm and practicing
improvisation techniques. By working on these smaller, specific skills, you build a foundation
that will eventually allow you to achieve the bigger goal.
A study by psychologist Edwin Locke showed that people who set specific, challenging (yet
attainable) goals perform better than those with vague, “do your best” goals. Applying this to
music, students who set progressive, skill-focused goals often enjoy a more fulfilling learning
experience.
Track Your Progress and Adjust Goals as Needed
Tracking your progress is crucial when working toward realistic goals. Keep a journal or use a
practice app to record what you’ve accomplished, any challenges faced, and where you need
more focus. Tracking can also reveal when a goal might need to be adjusted. If you've set a
goal that feels too challenging after a few practice sessions, it’s perfectly okay to modify it.
Learning music should be enjoyable, not frustrating, so adapt your goals to fit your pace and
skill level.
For example, if your goal was to play scales smoothly at a specific tempo within a week but
you’re struggling, extend the timeframe or lower the tempo slightly. Adjusting goals isn’t a
setback—it’s part of creating a learning path that works for you.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
Setting realistic goals is easier when you adopt a growth mindset, a term popularized by
psychologist Carol Dweck. A growth mindset emphasizes learning over perfection, seeing
setbacks as opportunities to improve rather than failures. By embracing this mindset, you’ll find
it easier to set realistic goals and appreciate your progress. Remember that every musician has
faced challenges; it’s part of the process.
Ready to Achieve Your Music Goals?
At BodhiTree School of Music, we guide students in setting personalized, realistic goals that
lead to real progress. With our experienced instructors and tailored lessons, we help you build a
foundation that lasts—whether you’re starting with the basics or advancing your skills. Join us at
BodhiTree School of Music and let’s create a roadmap to your musical success together.
