The Optimal Time to Practice Music: Morning or Evening?

The best time to practice music when you have a full-time day job depends on your personal schedule, energy levels, and lifestyle. Here are some considerations for both morning and evening practice:

Morning Practice

Pros:

Fresh Mind: Your mind is typically clearer and more focused after a good night's sleep, which can enhance your learning and retention. Fewer Distractions: Mornings often have fewer interruptions, allowing for more focused practice. Sets a Positive Tone: Starting your day with music can boost your mood and creativity for the rest of the day.

Cons:

Time Constraints: You might have limited time before work, especially if you have a morning routine. Physical Readiness: Depending on your instrument, you may need to warm up physically, which can take time.

Evening Practice

Pros:

More Time: You may have more hours available to practice after work, allowing for longer sessions. Relaxation: Practicing in the evening can be a great way to unwind and relieve stress after a busy day. Social Opportunities: If you play with others, evenings may be a more convenient time for group practice or lessons.

Cons:

Atigue: You might be tired after a long day, which can affect your focus and energy levels. Distrasions: Evening activities, family commitments, or social events can interfere with your practice time.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the best time to practice music is when you feel most alert and can consistently dedicate time to it. Many musicians find a routine that incorporates both morning and evening practice beneficial. Balancing shorter, focused sessions in the morning with longer, more relaxed sessions in the evening can be an effective strategy. Experimenting with both times can help you determine what works best for your schedule and energy levels.

Additional Considerations

Do you practice to relax or to drive yourself to be better? If you practice to relax, evening practice is probably better to help you "wind down" after a day at work. If you practice in an effort to constantly improve or to learn new repertoire in a certain limited amount of time, practice when your focus is best—either morning or night.

Example

One of my busiest adult students, a psychiatrist who works with adolescents and has to use his time wisely, is also a parent of two small boys. He is also the student who of all my students makes the most progress. He has found that his best time to practice is after the kids have been put to bed. As a matter of fact, they are a bit trained now to fall asleep to his playing. This both helps him unclench from a stressful day and allows him time with everything else done at home to focus on his practice.

That’s just one example—think about what would work best for you. Best wishes for continued progress and enjoyment in your musical endeavors.