If you’re looking to learn piano in Brighton, one of the first things you’ll hear from me is this: how you practise is just as important as what you play.

Whether you’re a total beginner or getting back into it, one of the most common questions I get asked during piano lessons in Brighton is: “What’s the best way to practise?” The truth is, there’s no single formula—but there is a mindset that can completely transform your progress.

My personal mantra?
Practise every day for at least 5 minutes. No excuses.

It sounds simple, and it is. But it’s incredibly effective. That daily habit builds consistency, strengthens your muscle memory, and keeps music fresh in your mind—far more than playing once a week for an hour ever could.

Why 5 Minutes a Day Works

Let’s face it—life is busy. We’ve all said, “I just don’t have time today,” and then a whole week slips by. But five minutes? That’s always possible. And more often than not, once you sit down, five minutes becomes ten, then fifteen… That’s the magic of showing up.

I highly recommend practising first thing in the morning if you can. Get it done, get the win, and carry that momentum with you for the rest of the day. It sets a positive tone and gets your fingers and brain moving early.

Daily practice helps your brain absorb new material better. It turns complex finger patterns into second nature and helps pieces settle into your memory without forcing it.

The Hardest Truth (That’s Also the Most Important)

One of the hardest things a piano teacher can explain to any budding pianist—regardless of age—is that playing well takes time and patience. There are no shortcuts. It’s not about talent or speed; it’s about showing up, trying again, and embracing the slow burn.

The more you can learn to enjoy the process, the more progress you’ll make. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re part of the learning. Laugh at them. Learn from them. They’re signs that you’re stretching and growing, and that’s a wonderful thing.

The Importance of the Right Material

It’s absolutely vital that your teacher gives you the right level of material. This means clear, directional fingering, a manageable amount of music, and weekly goals that gently stretch you—without being overwhelming.

I make sure every student gets custom-tailored material suited to their age, experience, and learning style. The right foundation makes all the difference.

Quality Over Quantity

Effective practice isn’t just about the amount of time—it’s how you use that time. Here are a few key tips I share in my Brighton piano lessons:

1. Break Things Down

Don’t try to play the whole piece start to finish every time. Work on a few bars at a time. Focus on tricky corners. Isolate the left hand. Slow it right down—this is how you build control and confidence.

And don’t skip the hard bars! They’re the ones that need your attention the most. Embrace them. These sections are where the real progress happens. Tackle them patiently, a few notes at a time if needed—you’ll be amazed at how quickly they become manageable with steady, focused effort.

2. Play It Slowly—Always

This is a big one: don’t rush. Keep things slow. It’s always better to play something accurately at a slower tempo than to rush through it with mistakes. Speed will come naturally with time. Starting slowly gives your brain and hands the space they need to truly learn.

3. Be Present

Put your phone on silent. Turn off distractions. Even five focused minutes at the piano are more valuable than twenty minutes of distracted noodling.

4. Repetition—With Variation

When practising a tough passage, repeat it—but don’t do it mindlessly. Vary how you practise it: different rhythms, dynamics, or articulations. This keeps your brain engaged and improves adaptability.

The Takeaway

Consistency always beats intensity. You don’t need to practise for hours to make progress. What matters is that you show up every day, even just for 5 minutes. No excuses.

Play slowly. Don’t avoid the tricky bits. Be patient with yourself. And most of all—enjoy the process. Playing the piano is a journey, not a race. And the joy is in the learning.

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If you’re looking for piano lessons in Brighton—whether for yourself or your child—I’d love to help. I offer relaxed, encouraging lessons tailored to all ages and levels.

Visit ashleypiano.net to find out more or to book your first session.