Time management is the practice of organizing and using your time wisely to make the most of it, which is crucial for musicians looking to achieve their musical goals efficiently. Some of the users in our community have asked us to address this topic, so here we go!

First of all, let's talk about the term "time management." I don't really like it because it seems like we're trying to control something – time – that is ultimately beyond our reach. After all, we can't add more hours to the day or stop time altogether. So instead of focusing on managing time to be more productive, it's really about considering how we can manage ourselves to reach our musical goals.

⏱️ This article won't give you typical tips and tricks for improving productivity. Instead, I want to share some useful insights I've learned to use myself. These have helped me understand what truly matters to me, musically speaking, and how I can prioritize tasks to achieve my goals.


To make the most of your time, the key is to ask yourself the right questions:

  • Why do I want to manage my time?
  • Is it worth it to spend x time on x task?

Your purpose as an artist

In today's world, there's a strong emphasis on productivity, making us feel the need to be constantly checking tasks off our list. This mindset has seeped into all corners of our culture, pushing us to feel guilty when we're not actively achieving something. This includes our work as artists and musicians: how often do you feel like you're pursuing goals on autopilot, only to feel empty inside once they're done, as if that perpetual desire to reach a certain goal will never be satisfied?

Put another way, have you ever felt like you're preparing for a concert with immense dedication and energy, but after it's over, you don't feel the fulfillment you expected?

If the answer is yes, it could be because you haven't given enough thought to the real purpose behind what you do. Take a moment to pause and reflect on it.

Story time!

There was a time when I felt immense pressure to learn how to play yet another instrument. Despite already being skilled at playing the guitar and the violin, I felt the need to take it to the next level. I ended up buying a trumpet and taking lessons while juggling college and a full-time job. Unfortunately, this pursuit took time away from what truly mattered to me: composing. As time went on, I wasn't making any real progress on the trumpet and felt incredibly frustrated.

One day, it hit me that becoming a multi-instrumentalist wasn't a genuine goal for me. I didn't have any real desire to become a trumpet player. What I genuinely cared about was composing, so I made the decision to focus solely on that passion.

Another valuable lesson I learned from that experience is that we must discard the harmful notion that taking time to rest and enjoy life is unproductive. On the contrary, it is highly productive! By doing so, we are investing in our well-being and overall productivity in the long run.

🗺️ Roadmap and visualization for achieving your musical goals


As you well know, time is limited. That being the case, it's essential to be realistic about the amount of time you want to dedicate to your music. Once you've determined how much time you can commit daily, make a sincere and deep commitment to honoring that time. Remember, it's better to practice consistently for half an hour each day rather than having sporadic 6-hour marathon sessions. Making progress in music comes from being consistent.

Once again, take a moment to reflect on the most important question: What do I truly want to achieve with music? Be honest with yourself and allow yourself to dream big without any restrictions.

Once you have your answer, you can move forward by asking yourself:

  • When do I want to achieve these aspirations?
  • What steps do I need to take to get there?

Create a clear roadmap based on your answers and start making progress. Always keep your goals in mind as they will help you prioritize your time effectively.

🧘 The art of focus

Never forget that it's all about practicing smart, not practicing hard. One hour of total concentration and dedication is worth more than several distracted and tired hours.

Engaging in mindfulness with a clear sense of openness and curiosity is scientifically proven to offer a huge range of benefits, most notably boosting our overall well-being and reducing stress. It also enables us to become more attuned to the present moment, which helps us to stay focused while practicing or studying music.

💡 If you are a music teacher in our platform I have a great resource for you > Mindfulness Techniques for Music Educators and Ensemble Leaders.

What about deadlines & commitments?

Even in the world of artistic endeavors, deadlines demand our attention. Whether those are tests, recitals, gigs or other commitments, these events require focused effort and preparation. When faced with such situations, it becomes crucial to streamline our efforts and concentrate solely on meeting these specific obligations.

For example, imagine you have a concert scheduled in just one week's time. In this case, it's imperative to prioritize your practice and rehearsal sessions to ensure you're fully prepared for the performance. Channel your energy and dedication towards preparing for the upcoming concert, temporarily setting aside other practice routines like scale exercises. By adopting this targeted approach, you can maximize your potential and deliver a polished and confident showcase of your musical talents, meeting the expectations of your audience and the demands of the event. Once the concert has successfully concluded, you can shift your attention back to your regular study routine and overall musical development.

🗓️ How to stay on top of your schedule

Maintaining motivation can be challenging, but I've got some helpful suggestions for you:

✅ Set attainable goals

Dream big, but take one step at a time. No matter how ambitious your dreams are, establish small, achievable goals. For instance, if you aspire to become an excellent blues guitar player, set goals like learning iconic songs and mastering the techniques needed to play them correctly. As you consistently practice, your skills will naturally improve, and you'll make significant progress without even realizing it.

✅ Discover what keeps you going

If you're finding it tough to stick to your schedule, turn to your musical idols for inspiration and remind yourself why you're pursuing your passion. If you're not in the mood to practice, at least spend some time playing your instrument or listening to music.

Extra tip: Don't forget to reward yourself when you achieve a goal, even if it's a small one! 💪

✅ Find what works best for you

Avoid trying to follow someone else's formula, discover your own approach to things. For example, if you tend to get easily distracted, take short 5-minute breaks every 20 minutes. The learning process should be enjoyable, and feeling good about it will keep you motivated.

✅ Track your time and progress

✍️ Write your goals down, put them on a calendar, and monitor your progress. Seeing your achievements in writing is incredibly motivating!

⏳ Additionally, keep track of your time and stick to the schedule you've set for each aspect of your work.

By following these suggestions, you'll be better equipped to manage your agenda and stay motivated on your musical journey. Keep pushing forward, and remember that enjoying the process is the key to long-term success. 🎶

Story time!

I used to frequently find myself lost in my musical studies without paying any attention to the time passing by. There were moments when I'd realize that I had spent all my available time solely on practicing scales 😭. Now I've become much more mindful of how I allocate my time. This awareness has been a game-changer for me, as it lets me effectively dedicate specific time slots to scales, techniques, speed exercises, composition, and other musical topics. By being conscious of my time management, I can ensure a well-rounded and balanced approach to my practice sessions, making the most out of the precious time I set aside for my musical growth.

The big picture

There's nothing more crucial than taking care of your health. A healthy mind enables better concentration, while a healthy body enhances your instrumental performance. So remember, it's essential not to sacrifice your well-being for the sake of an extra hour of study or practice. Skipping lunch or sacrificing sleep for extended music sessions might seem tempting, but it's not worth it in the long run.

I genuinely hope these tips aid you in managing yourself effectively as you go down the road of achieving your musical aspirations. And above all, please, please remember to strike a balance – don't overwork yourself and don't forget to take moments to relax and unwind. Your health and well-being are the foundation of your musical journey, so cherish them and let them guide you towards a fulfilling and sustainable musical career.

See you next time!