How do you stay motivated?

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It can be tempting to neglect your instrument and do something more enjoyable for the moment such as watching a movie, hanging out on Facebook, playing online games, or perhaps taking an unnecessary nap. Here are a few tips to help you stay motivated.

• Leave your instrument out in plain sight.
• Listen to great music and performances.
• Read through new pieces of music.
• Find play along recordings or music to jam with.
• Plan a performance.
• Find a friend to play duets with.
• Find musicians to motivate you on a forum or other social network.
• Enroll in a competition.
• Plan a chamber music party or jam session.
• Record yourself.
• Join a community orchestra.
• Find friends with mutual interests.
• Set specific goals for your instrument.
• Get a teacher. If you don't have time for lessons every week, maybe every other week.