At Lessons In Your Home, our team of dedicated music teachers spends a lot of time helping students learn new songs. But do you know what we love just as much? Encouraging our students to repeat the songs they already know how to play. Some students are eager to move on as soon as they get through a song once or twice, but there is so much value in revisiting and repeating familiar pieces. Here’s why playing songs you already know should be a regular part of your practice:
1. It’s Fun!
There’s nothing quite like the joy of playing a song you love without having to struggle through new notes and rhythms. When you revisit a piece that’s already in your fingers, you can simply enjoy making music. We’ve seen young students light up when they realize they can play a song without stopping. And for our older students, it’s an opportunity to relax and truly enjoy the music they’ve worked hard to learn.
2. Better Performances, More Expression
Repeating songs you know well is the secret to great performances. When you practice a song enough, you don’t have to think about every single note—you can focus on expression, dynamics, and musicality. Whether it’s playing for family, a school recital, or just for yourself, the more comfortable you are with a piece, the more you can bring it to life.
3. Playing Well Builds Confidence
One of the biggest confidence boosters in learning an instrument is successfully playing a song from start to finish. Repeating pieces you’ve already learned reinforces this confidence. It reminds you that, yes, you can play music! This is especially important for young students who are still developing their skills—each repeated song is a little victory that builds motivation to keep learning.
4. Establishing a Musical Identity
The songs we love and play often become part of who we are as musicians. Maybe you love classical music, or maybe you’re drawn to jazz, pop, or rock. By repeating the songs that resonate with you, you start to shape your own musical style. Even our youngest students begin to develop preferences, and we encourage them to revisit the pieces they enjoy—it helps them find their musical voice.
5. Easing the Pressure of Learning New Material
Learning a new song takes time and effort, and that’s okay! But sometimes students (or parents) feel pressure to constantly move on to the next thing. Repeating familiar songs provides a balance—it reminds students that there’s no rush. Music is about enjoyment, not just progress. Playing what you already know makes practice sessions more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
Keep Playing What You Love
So, to all our students—young and old—don’t be in such a hurry to leave behind the songs you’ve already learned. Play them often, enjoy them, and take pride in what you can do! You’ll be a stronger, more confident musician because of it.
Happy playing!
— The Music Teachers at Lessons In Your Home
