How to Stay Motivated in Your Music Lessons When Learning a New Instrument
At Music House School of Music, we understand that starting a new instrument can be exciting — but staying motivated throughout the journey can sometimes feel challenging. Whether you’ve enrolled in music classes for piano, guitar, drums, or voice, maintaining that initial spark of excitement is essential to growing as a musician.
The good news? You’re not alone. Everyone — from beginners to seasoned performers — faces ups and downs when learning a new instrument. But by tapping into the right strategies and surrounding yourself with a supportive music community, you can keep that motivation high and achieve your musical goals.
Here are some of our best tips for staying motivated when learning a new instrument — inspired by the approach and philosophy that has helped Music House thrive as a vibrant musical community in Overland Park, Lenexa, Prairie Village, and Olathe for over 17 years.
1. Find a Community That Inspires You
One of the biggest reasons students lose motivation is because they’re trying to learn in isolation. Practicing alone without any interaction can make even the most passionate musician lose steam. That’s why at Music House, we’ve built a community of over 800 students and 37 teachers and administrators — all dedicated to supporting each other.
Our music classes go beyond private lessons. Through group music classes, rock bands, specialized ensembles, and monthly Jam with the Pros events, we give students the chance to play together, perform on stage, and learn from professional musicians. Surrounding yourself with others who share your love for music creates a sense of belonging and provides inspiration on the days when motivation dips.
Tip: Join a group class or ensemble to build friendships and learn in a fun, collaborative way. Check out our group piano, guitar, and voice classes that are available for both children and adults!
2. Set Small, Achievable Goals
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when learning something new — especially when you compare yourself to advanced players. The key to staying motivated is to set small, attainable goals that give you a sense of accomplishment along the way.
For example, instead of focusing solely on mastering an entire song, set a goal to learn just the introduction or a specific chord progression. Celebrate when you hit that milestone! At Music House, our instructors help break down big musical goals into smaller steps, so students always feel a sense of progress.
Tip: Write down weekly or monthly goals, like learning a new scale or performing a short piece at one of our Student Showcases — an exciting opportunity for students to perform live in front of an audience!
3. Take Advantage of Performance Opportunities
Nothing boosts motivation like preparing for a performance! Knowing you’ll soon share your music on stage gives your practice sessions purpose and focus. At Music House, performance is built into our approach to music education. We believe learning to play music isn’t just about sitting in a lesson studio — it’s about becoming a musician who can confidently share music with others.
From monthly Jam with the Pros sessions to student showcases three times a year, our students regularly take the stage — often performing alongside professional musicians and top students. These events not only motivate students to practice but also build confidence and excitement around learning an instrument.
Tip: Sign up for our next Jam with the Pros and experience the thrill of playing with a full band — it's free for all enrolled students!
4. Mix Up Your Practice Routine
Repetitive practice can lead to boredom, which quickly drains motivation. Instead of running through the same exercises every day, switch things up to keep practice fun and engaging. This could mean learning a new song, experimenting with improvisation, or jamming along with backing tracks.
Our instructors at Music House encourage students to explore different genres and styles — and our group music classes emphasize real-life musical experiences that make learning feel like playing.
Tip: Attend one of our free weekend music classes to discover new songs, styles, and instruments. These classes are an incredible way to refresh your learning experience and connect with other musicians.
5. Celebrate Your Progress (Even the Small Wins!)
Sometimes when you're learning an instrument, it’s easy to focus on what you can’t do yet and forget to appreciate how far you’ve come. But celebrating small wins keeps motivation high. At Music House, we constantly celebrate our students' progress — whether that’s performing their first song, nailing a difficult chord, or singing a note they never thought possible.
Tip: Keep a practice journal or record videos of your progress. Watching how much you’ve improved over time is one of the best ways to stay motivated. And don't forget to share those wins with your teachers and classmates during group music classes!
6. Learn Music You Actually Love
Nothing kills motivation faster than learning songs you don’t care about. At Music House, our students learn real music — the songs they love — right from day one. Whether it’s pop, rock, jazz, or classical, our instructors tailor lessons to each student’s musical taste. This way, practicing never feels like a chore; it becomes something you look forward to.
Our group voice, piano, and guitar classes use popular, relevant songs as platforms for learning technique and theory, making sure every lesson is fun and engaging.
Tip: Make a playlist of songs you’d love to play or sing. Share it with your instructor, and start working on those songs together during your lessons or music classes.
7. Lean on Experienced, Supportive Teachers
Having a great teacher makes all the difference when learning a new instrument. Our Music House instructors are professional musicians and educators who know how to motivate, guide, and inspire students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance to the next level, we’re here to help you fall in love with music and stay motivated throughout your journey.
Unlike other places that offer music lessons in Kansas City, Music House isn’t just a collection of tiny studios rented by independent teachers. We are a fully staffed, well-organized music community, with over 10 administrators ensuring our programs run smoothly, so you get a complete and fulfilling experience.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
At Music House School of Music, we do music education differently — combining private lessons, group music classes, jam sessions, and live performances to create a rich, engaging learning environment. Whether you're in Overland Park, Lenexa, Prairie Village, or Olathe, our community of musicians is here to help you stay motivated and excited to learn.
If you're ready to experience music instruction that truly inspires, we invite you to contact us today to learn more about our music classes and schedule a tour of one of our locations. From group piano and guitar classes to voice lessons and jam nights, Music House is the place where you’ll feel at home — and stay motivated every step of the way.
