This plan keeps you focused on where you are in the process while also building the core skills that make everything easier.
⏱️ 0:00 – 2:00 | Write in Your Practice Notebook
- Write today’s date.
- Write down exactly where you are in the process for your piece:
- Set a clear aim for this session (e.g. “Play LH at 50%–70% tempo with metronome, no errors”).
⏱️ 2:00 – 10:00 | Core Piece Work (8 mins)
- Work only on the step you’ve written down.
- Don’t jump ahead — repeat the same step until it feels solid.
- Use the metronome when needed: start at 50% of target tempo, increase only if perfect.
- If you can’t play at 50% → reconsider whether your target performance tempo is realistic.
⏱️ 10:00 – 13:00 | Sight-Reading Snapshot (3 mins)
- Pick something much easier than your main piece.
- Clap/tap the rhythm once, then play straight through with no stopping.
- Goal: fluency and flow, not perfection.
⏱️ 13:00 – 15:00 | Skills Boost (2 mins)
- Quick scale, arpeggio, or chord pattern of your choice.
- Focus on evenness, relaxation, and steady rhythm.
- End with something that feels smooth and successful.
✅ End of Session – Notebook Review
- Write one sentence on what you achieved.
- Note where to start tomorrow (so you don’t waste time remembering).
- Optional: give yourself a quick ☹️, 😐, or 🙂 to track motivation.
💡 Key Principle: Don’t try to race through all the learning stages in one sitting. Your 15 minutes are about one clear aim + a little extra sight-reading and technique to keep you balanced.
❓If you had just 15 minutes at the piano today, which part of this plan would make the biggest difference for you right now — your core piece, sight-reading, or scales?