How can I motivate myself to practice piano?

Question:I don't like practicing piano. My mom paid for a whole year of lessons and can't get a refund, so I HAVE to go. But I HATE practicing. I need a motivation, and it can't just be "just do it" or because my mom and teacher will yell at me. I want some honest help please.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I don't like practicing piano. My mom paid for a whole year of lessons and can't get a refund, so I HAVE to go. But I HATE practicing. I need a motivation, and it can't just be "just do it" or because my mom and teacher will yell at me. I want some honest help please.

Extrinsic motivation ( getting something from outside - a treat, etc.) is not nearly as powerful as INTRINSIC motivation (you do it because it is the good thing to do for YOU). Each day, set yourself a micro-goal - you are going to play one hand, one line, of one piece, with only a FEW mistakes. Do not even say *perfect* - that puts pressure on you. Make it something that you cannot fail at, but that you can see yourself get a teeny bit better. I am a professional musician, and *I* hate to practice, too - unless I have a goal. But - I hate for the phone to stop ringing, too. And not working in this business, but having to do ANY icky job is worse. I have heard actresses with hot bodies declare (not complaining, just telling us) how many hours it takes of EVERY day in the gym to look as good as they do. If you want something of value, it's SUPPOSED to be hard -otherwise, everybody would have it, and it would be worth nothing. You have a parent who was spent a pile of money on something because they KNOW that it is good for you. If you just read these lists, you can see all those people you age who would LOVE to have lessons. I have a student (adult) who played a little bit (flute) as a child, and now is a nurse - she plays her flute - not all that great, but she plays - for her terminal cancer patients in the hospice she works at. The *simplest*, easiest melody, played slowly, brings them comfort. I bet there is something you can play RIGHT NOW that would soothe someone, or help bring them peace. Learn something nice for Valentine's Day - something easy, even one line of melody, and play it for someone you care about- how about MOM??

Also, if you go to www.practicespot.com, they have whole areas of the site about making your practicing easier, and more fulfilling. Go -read - and see if you can then practice for even 10 minutes - it beats NOT practicing, because you will see results. It's like exercise - ANYTHING is good, and anything is always better than nothing! Discipline makes you an adult - whining and laziness keeps you a child, and not in a good way!

You can make it your goal.Maybe each time your mom or you're proud of yourself. Treat something for yourself like ice cream, hang out, and etc.

Go to youtube and watch some videos of people playing songs that you like. Then imagine yourself playing as well.

That's what I do to motivate myself to practice guitar.

tell ur mom that u need motivation and will she buy you something if you keep doing good.. lol idk.. srry thats the best one i can give

I play the piano because I love it. I don't read music and found lessons boring. Find a piece that you really like and learn to play it. Once you build some skills you'll feel better about playing.

go to itunes and buy some songs from really talented pianists, then you'll want to play like them. or, you could record yourself playing whatever you're practicing and you'll hear what you need to work on when you replay it.

Think of the bright side, you will get to play to your family. THEY WILL BE HAPPY FOR YOU. Lucky for you I want to play the piano. It's very important to play an instrument it's good for you. Try your best here is a quote."Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great." Youy might never find another chance like this don't ignore it.

go to youtube.com type "Giorgio Costantini" is on the first one on the list. He is a famous pianist.

God Bless!!!

Hang out with some friends that are passionate about playing the piano or some other instrument and play music together. This will movate you to learn new material; at least, it aways works on me.

Make a poster on your computer that reads:
"No practicing =no success" post it right in front of your piano, post it in the bathroom, post it in your locker at school. wether you practice or not, time is flying by and won't stop for anyone. So immagine five years down the road after not practicing, you still feel guilty that you aren't getting anywhere, BUT you are five years older!! If on the contrary, you give yourself 15 minutes to an hour a day, in that same five years you will be so far into giving yourself one of the most wonderful gifts you could ever want. Playing music is so rewarding and fulfilling, don't rob yourself of this