How to Overcome Music Practice Plateaus and Keep Growing

If you're a musician, whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, you’ve probably felt it. That moment where you practice and practice... but nothing seems to improve. You hit a wall. A plateau. It’s frustrating. It can be discouraging. But here’s the good news: plateaus are normal, and even better, they’re beatable. Let’s talk about why plateaus happen and how to push through them with confidence, creativity, and a little fun.

🎵 Why Do Practice Plateaus Happen?

Music is both a physical and mental skill. As you progress, there are stages where your brain and body need time to catch up with new challenges. Plateaus can happen for a few reasons:

• You’ve mastered the basics but haven’t stretched into new material.

• Your brain has stopped responding to repetition the same way.

• Your goals aren’t clear or motivating anymore.

• You’re practicing, but not practicingsmart.*

  
  

The important thing to remember? Plateaus aren’t a sign of failure; they’re a sign that it’s time to change something up.

🎯 7 Strategies to Break Through a Plateau

1. Set a Micro Goal

Instead of vague goals like “get better at scales,” set a mini-target like “play my C major scale in eighth notes at 100 BPM, clean and even.” Small wins lead to big breakthroughs.

2. Change Up Your Routine

Been doing the same warm-ups forever? Try a new scale pattern, rhythm challenge, or even a different time of day to practice. Variety keeps your brain engaged.

3. Use a Timer (and Take Breaks!)

Practice in focused chunks—like 10–15 minutes per section—with a timer. Short, intense practice is more effective than long, distracted sessions.

4. Record Yourself

It’s hard to hear your own progress in the moment. Try recording a piece or exercise once a week and listening back. You’ll start to hear improvement you may not have noticed.

5. Play Something Just for Fun

Plateaus often zap your joy. So pick up your instrument and play something silly. Make up a song or try a tune from a movie. Fun fuels motivation.

6. Use Games to Reinforce Skills

Struggling with note reading or rhythm? Use a music game! Interactive tools like the ones at Musician’s Addition can make learning feel like play—and that helps push through tough spots.

7. Ask for Feedback

Whether it’s from a teacher, a peer, or even a trusted YouTube tutorial, fresh eyes (and ears) can help you break habits and see new possibilities.

The Musician's Addition Practice Book can help you set goals, keep track of progress, and even include some fun games!

🚧 What Not to Do

• ❌ Don’t quit.

• ❌ Don’t ignore the problem.

• ❌ Don’t keep doing the exact same thing hoping for a different result.

  
  

You’re not stuck forever. You’re just in the middle of a breakthrough waiting to happen.

💬 Final Thoughts

Every musician hits a plateau at some point—but that’s all it is: a point. Not the end. Not the final level. Just a spot you’re passing through on your way to something better.

Change your routine. Set smaller goals. Have some fun with your instrument again. And remember—progress doesn’t always feel fast, but it’s happening.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.

Check out this month’s free practice game at Musician’s Addition to add something new to your routine and keep things moving forward. 🎶