Practice Makes Progress: Why You Should Keep a Practice Journal

Learning an instrument is a journey, and like any journey, it helps to have a map. A practice journal is one of the most powerful tools for musicians of all levels. It helps you stay organized, track your progress, and make the most of your practice time. Whether you play guitar, piano, ukulele, or any other instrument, keeping a journal can accelerate your growth and keep you motivated.

At Music Tree Academy, we offer personalized lessons for all ages and skill levels in Itä-Helsinki, Myllypuro, Viikki, Herttoniemi, Roihuvuori, and Vuosaari—as well as online lessons via Zoom. Here’s why taking lessons with us is the key to unlocking your musical potential.

1. Track Your Progress and See How Far You’ve Come

One of the biggest frustrations for musicians is feeling like they’re not improving. A practice journal reminds you of your progress by keeping a record of what you’ve learned.

🎵 Example: You might struggle with a chord transition today, but if you look back at your journal in a few weeks, you’ll see how much smoother it has become.

By writing down your achievements, you’ll stay motivated and recognize small wins that might otherwise go unnoticed.

2. Stay Organized and Focused

Have you ever sat down to practice and wondered, "What should I work on today?" A journal helps you plan structured and efficient practice sessions so you don’t waste time.

📝 What to include in your journal:
✅ Songs or pieces you're working on
✅ Exercises (scales, chords, techniques)
✅ Areas of difficulty & how you plan to improve them
✅ Goals for the next session

Instead of randomly playing whatever comes to mind, your journal keeps you on track and ensures that each practice session is productive.

3. Set and Achieve Goals Faster

A practice journal helps turn vague ambitions into clear, actionable goals. Instead of saying, "I want to get better at piano," you can write:

🎯 "Learn all major and minor scales hands together at 60 BPM by the end of the month."

By setting specific and realistic goals, you'll be able to measure your progress and stay committed. Plus, checking off completed goals feels great!

4. Identify Patterns and Overcome Challenges

Writing down what’s difficult for you helps you see patterns in your playing. Maybe you always struggle with fast chord changes, or your left-hand piano technique needs work. Once you notice these recurring challenges, you can focus on solving them.

🔎 Example: If you consistently write, "Struggled with barre chords," you can adjust your practice to include specific exercises to strengthen your fingers and improve your technique.

5. Boost Creativity and Self-Reflection

Your practice journal doesn’t have to be all about technique—it’s also a great place for creative ideas! Use it to:

🎶 Write down song ideas or riffs
🎶 Jot down lyrics or chord progressions
🎶 Reflect on what inspires you musically

Looking back on your entries can spark new ideas and keep your musical journey exciting.

Start Your Practice Journal Today!

You don’t need anything fancy—just a notebook, a notes app, or even a Google Doc. The key is to be consistent and make journaling part of your practice routine.

A practice journal will help you stay motivated, track progress, and reach your musical goals faster. So why not start today? Your future self will thank you! 🎵