10 Motivation Tips for Musicians

Simon on 1. January 2024 reading time: 6 Min

… or: How to make 2024 your year! 💪

Well, everyone has them: the good resolutions for the new year. But what’s the use of the best bucket list if everything gets forgotten after a couple of weeks? As a musician or soon-to-be musician, the question is always the same: of how to stay motivated and on track throughout the year? Don’t worry, we have some tips for you! 🤘

Chase your dreams Thomann

Use the Motivational Boost

A dream without a plan is just a dream. A goal is a dream that becomes lived reality, and your resolutions are the indispensable foundation for your personal goals. The key is not to embrace frustration without a plan, but rather to have both feet on solid ground by having a proper plan. And it’s definitely worth it; not only for your individual satisfaction but also to avoid disappointment due to missed opportunities down the road.

Study confirms: Renouncing Music can lead to regret

In 2022, a comprehensive study shed light on the regret experienced by musicians who discontinue their musical pursuits or never commence them. According to a series of YouGov surveys conducted in America, approximately 34% of respondents who never played an instrument expressed regret for not having done so. Notably, the piano emerged as the most “retroactively” desired instrument for 47% of participants, followed by the guitar at 22%, and the drums at 8%.

Among those who regretted putting their instruments aside, 55% were former electric guitarists, 51% were former guitarists, and 48% never returned to playing the piano. The study suggests that with a motivational plan in place, individuals might still be savoring the enriching experiences of music today. For more details, you can refer to the study [at this link]

#forevermusic #noregrets

1. Take the pressure off

The best melodies probably didn’t originate from the drawing board. Take the time and just play more freely, let your mood guide you, and stay curious about where the journey takes you. Avoid pressure, strict rules and boxed-mentality when making music.

2. Ready for new impulses

The range of music lessons available today is more diverse than ever, and there’s undoubtedly a suitable course for you. Whether it’s an exceptional teacher in your city, the local music school, or an online music school, as a musician, you should never stop learning—there’s always something new to discover. We can all appreciate fresh stimulus that comes our way.

Time to shine Thomann

3. Support the local music scene

And while we’re on the subject of new impulses: why not attend small concerts in your city and support the local music scene and the live clubs nearby? Music literally starts right there. You’ll meet like-minded people, and besides great entertainment, you’ll also get a good dose of inspiration. Maybe it will even lead to a nice chat at the merch stand?

4. Accept mistakes as part of your journey to success

Mistakes are actually the best thing that can happen to you, provided you recognise them, embrace them, and learn from what went wrong. The key to success is to try again and again. There is simply no great musician who hasn’t made countless mistakes on their journey. Don’t hesitate to acknowledge your mistakes and welcome them as motivating counsellors on your path.

Embrace your future Thomann

5. Commit to a consistent practice routine

First and foremost: nothing happens without consistent practice. The magic word is focus. If you practice for just one hour with real, committed, 100% focus after warming up daily, you will get exponentially better results than aimlessly strumming for six hours. And by the way, your smartphone will also appreciate a relaxing hour in airplane mode. It will help to stay focused!

Have a specific goal in mind? Use the SMART method from the project management world to set your goals correctly: the goals must be as specific as possible. SMART stands for specific, measurable, attractive, realistic, and timed.

6. Take a break for the sake of your creativity

Make sure to include breaks in your practice routine. If you’re always working at full throttle, you’ll burn out faster than a Wall Street broker. Breaks are part of music, and you need your personal breaks for relaxation. After that, you will be able to jump right back into action with a refreshed energy. Just… take a break, ‘mkay? 😉

Time go get started motivational tips

7. Live the moment

Jamming with others, performing, or recording productions propels you forward at a rapid pace. In no time, not only will your musical understanding and skills incrementally improve, but they will also multiply. Indeed, there is nothing better than the energy and vibes that emerge during live performances. Stage presence or spontaneous jam sessions boost your confidence and allow you to connect with like-minded individuals at the forefront of the current musical scene.

8. Expand your musical horizons

One of the most beautiful and emotional aspects of music is its endless versatility. Be open to new or even long-forgotten styles. Listening to music and getting crossover ideas are crucial elements to avoid standing still. Immerse yourself in a gold rush mood, searching for the subtleties of genres ranging from classical, jazz, rock, hip-hop, and everything in between, above, and beyond. Embrace music as a whole.

9. Music must be lived – that’s what you will write about

Music transcends mere sequences of tones; it is a way of life for a successful musician. Cultivate kindness towards others, and reciprocity will follow. Embrace a spirit of helpfulness, and others will be inclined to assist you in return. Audiences lend their ears to musicians with a compelling message. When crafting your songs, draw inspiration from the tapestry of real life. Within its intricacies, you’ll discover an abundance of material to enrich your storytelling every day.

10. Boost your social media presence

Online activities play an increasingly vital role in everyday’s life. Success is nowadays found on (but not only) the internet. If your desired commercial success is on the bucket list for 2024, cultivate your social media presence regularly and consistently. Increase the number of your followers with hip and meaningful posts, maintain contact with your fans. After all, your music is your product, and your online community is your audience.

Your time is now – chase your dreams!

The time has come to turn your dream into reality and pursue it no matter what. If you’re wondering what really matters, we can only say: it’s YOU! Our video “Is it time? It is!” talks about this. Check it out below and let it motivate you.

You can find more info about the short movie “Is it time? It is! by clicking on this link.

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Motivation tips for 2024: your Feedback

We hope we could provide you with some inspiration for 2024. What’s your best tip for staying motivated as a musician throughout the year? Are you planning to learn a specific instrument in the new year? We look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments section below 👇