Every year, millions of people make New Year’s resolutions. They promise themselves they’ll exercise more, eat healthier, or pick up a new hobby. But what about “musical resolutions”? These are goals musicians, singers, or even casual music lovers set to improve their musical skills or deepen their love for music. Comparing these two types of resolutions reveals some interesting similarities and differences—and can inspire us to approach both with a fresh perspective.
The Similarities
At their core, both musical resolutions and New Year’s resolutions are about growth and self-improvement. They push us to challenge ourselves, try something new, and stay committed to a goal. Whether it’s practicing scales on a piano or running a mile every day, both require dedication and consistency to see results.
For example, someone might set a musical resolution to learn five new songs on the guitar by June. Similarly, a New Year’s resolution might involve reading five books in the same timeframe. In both cases, breaking the larger goal into smaller, manageable steps is key to success.
Another commonality is how fulfilling they can be. Accomplishing a goal—whether it’s finally nailing a tricky piece of music or sticking to a healthier diet—brings a sense of pride and joy.
The Differences
One major difference is motivation. New Year’s resolutions often stem from a desire to change something about our lives or habits, such as improving fitness or saving money. They’re often inspired by a need to “fix” something we’re unhappy with.
Musical resolutions, on the other hand, are usually driven by passion and creativity. Instead of fixing a problem, they’re about exploring new skills or deepening a love for music. For instance, someone might aim to master jazz improvisation or learn a traditional folk song from another culture. These goals tend to feel more exciting because they tap into personal interests.
Another difference lies in the way progress is measured. New Year’s resolutions often have clear outcomes: Did you lose the weight? Did you save the money? But musical resolutions focus more on the journey than the destination. Improving at an instrument or composing a song isn’t just about achieving a specific end result—it’s about the joy of practicing, experimenting, and discovering along the way.
Overcoming Challenges
Both types of resolutions come with challenges. It’s easy to lose motivation, especially when progress feels slow. For musical resolutions, the key is to keep things fun. Choose songs you love, try new styles, or jam with friends to stay inspired.
For New Year’s resolutions, staying motivated often involves setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins. If you aim to eat healthier, for example, start with one healthy meal a day instead of overhauling your entire diet at once.
Musical resolutions and New Year’s resolutions share the common thread of self-improvement, but they approach it in different ways. While New Year’s resolutions often focus on fixing habits, musical resolutions are about fueling creativity and passion. Both, however, remind us of the power of setting goals and challenging ourselves.
So this year, why not add a musical resolution to your list? Whether it’s learning a new instrument, creating a playlist of your favorite songs, or attending live performances, it’s a resolution that’s sure to bring harmony to your year!
Studio 237 Music Lessons is ready to help you get started on your musical resolution journey whether on guitar (acoustic, classical, bass), ukulele, voice, piano, keyboards, song writing, or drums. We teach people of all ages 6 and up. Give us a call at 850.231.3199, email Studio237Music.com, visit our website www.Studio237Music.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
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