Unlocking Musical Fulfillment: The Vital Balance Between Playing and Practicing.

Introduction:

At Rising Tones Institute of Music, we often hear questions about the best approach to learning an instrument.

Whether you’re a parent of a budding young musician or an adult diving into music lessons, you might have noticed the terms "playing" and "practicing" used interchangeably. But in reality, these two actions, while both essential, serve distinct purposes in a musician's journey. Understanding the difference between playing and practicing not only transforms your music education but also has a profound impact on life skills such as discipline, creativity, and self-expression.

Let’s dive into why it matters, how it affects your growth, and how Rising Tones’ experienced teachers use this distinction to create well-rounded musicians.

Why the Difference Between Playing and Practicing Matters

Playing an Instrument
Playing is the fun part. It’s when you sit down to enjoy your favorite piece of music, express yourself freely, and soak up the satisfaction of what you’ve learned. It’s creative, often spontaneous, and a great way to build confidence. Playing showcases your current skills and allows you to connect emotionally with music, whether it’s strumming a guitar by the campfire, singing along to a piano piece, or performing for an audience.

Practicing an Instrument
Practicing, on the other hand, is the focused work that takes place behind the scenes. It involves repetition, fine-tuning techniques, and pushing through challenges. Practice is where real progress happens. It’s where you work on mastering the tricky scales, perfecting finger positioning on the guitar, or improving hand coordination on the piano.

When you practice, you’re training both your mind and muscles to play more fluidly. This is where the discipline comes in—learning how to focus, break down difficult sections, and develop patience.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters
While both playing and practicing are vital, many students (and parents) mistakenly believe that simply playing through familiar songs will lead to improvement. While this builds confidence and enjoyment, without regular practice, it limits growth.

On the other hand, focusing only on practicing can lead to burnout or frustration. A healthy balance between the two allows students to see measurable progress while maintaining their love for music. This distinction impacts:

• Skill Development: Regular practice helps students overcome plateaus and achieve milestones.
• Long-Term Enjoyment: Playing keeps the love of music alive, making learning feel rewarding.
• Cognitive Benefits: Both playing and practicing develop problem-solving, concentration, and emotional expression.

The Impact on Students Who Embrace Both Versus Those Who Don't

For Those Who Embrace Both Playing and Practicing
Students who balance both reap the rewards of their hard work. They make noticeable improvements in their technique, which builds confidence and excitement for their next lesson or performance. These students also tend to develop life skills such as perseverance, time management, and self-discipline—qualities that benefit them beyond music.

For Those Who Lean Toward One Over the Other
Some students (or parents) may unconsciously focus on just one aspect. Those who lean heavily on playing without practicing might feel like they’re not improving fast enough, leading to frustration. On the other hand, students who focus exclusively on practice might miss out on the joy and creativity that playing offers, which could eventually cause them to lose interest.

When students only practice, they may feel like they’re grinding through lessons without much joy, while those who only play may hit a plateau and feel stuck.

Typical Obstacles and Practical Ways to Overcome Them

Balancing playing and practicing can be challenging, especially with busy schedules or limited motivation. Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them:

1. Obstacle: Lack of Motivation to Practice
   • Solution: Break practice into smaller, manageable chunks. Instead of an hour-long session, try 15-20 minutes of focused practice on a specific skill (e.g., scales for guitar or sight-reading for piano).
2. Obstacle: Only Playing Songs You Already Know
   • Solution: Encourage students to challenge themselves with new pieces. Learning a new song pushes you out of your comfort zone and gives your practice purpose. Rising Tones teachers can help by suggesting new, exciting pieces to work on.
3. Obstacle: Boredom from Repetition
   • Solution: Vary your practice routine. Start with technique exercises, then switch to a new piece or challenge yourself with a different genre. Mixing up the routine keeps things fresh and engaging.
4. Obstacle: Pressure to Perform Perfectly
   • Solution: Remind yourself or your child that mistakes are part of learning. Rising Tones’ mature and experienced teachers emphasize growth over perfection, creating a supportive environment where making mistakes is part of the journey.

Practical Tips to Balance Playing and Practicing

1. Set Clear Goals: Each practice session should have a specific focus—whether it’s improving finger positioning, learning a new chord, or mastering rhythm on the piano. But don’t forget to reward yourself with some time to simply play what you love.

2. Use Tools to Stay on Track: Metronomes, music stands, and even recording yourself can help make practice more structured. For guitarists and pianists alike, it’s easy to lose focus without these tools. Let them guide your practice while still leaving room for the creative side of playing.

3. Join a Community: Being part of an environment like Rising Tones provides a ready-made ecosystem where learning music becomes a lifestyle. With experienced teachers who understand how to balance both playing and practicing, students of all ages are given the best chance to succeed. Our mission is to create musicians who are not only technically sound but also connected to the joy of music.

How Rising Tones Can Help You Thrive

At Rising Tones Institute of Music, our seasoned teachers have spent years guiding students to strike the perfect balance between playing and practicing. We know that each student is different, so we tailor lessons to meet individual needs—whether you’re a young student just starting out or an adult returning to music.

Our goal is to cultivate not just musicians but people who embrace music as part of their life, growing their skills while experiencing the emotional and mental benefits music brings. Our teachers have a mission to inspire, nurture, and create many more musicians who truly understand and love their craft.

So, whether you’re learning guitar, piano, or taking voice lessons, Rising Tones is here to provide you with the tools, guidance, and encouragement you need to succeed.

Jeet Samant, Composer and Music Mentor

With a rich journey in music since 2005, Jeet Samant stands out as a seasoned music mentor and composer. He has guided hundreds of students, nurturing their musical talents and helping them find their unique voice in the world of music. As a skilled songwriter and melody writer, Jeet has a flair for crafting songs that resonate deeply with audiences. His expertise extends to music production, where his innovative techniques and keen ear for detail have produced captivating musical pieces. Jeet’s passion for music is not just about creating melodies; it's about inspiring and empowering a new generation of musicians.