How Much Should High School Music Students Practice?

When I was in college, music majors were expected to practice at least two hours a day. At the time, it felt intense—but looking back, it was exactly what we needed. College-level music study is rigorous and demanding, and the truth is, the students who were most successful weren’t necessarily the most “talented.” They were the most prepared.

So what does that mean for high school students who are thinking about pursuing music after graduation?

Whether you’re dreaming of a performance career, planning to major in music education, or simply want to keep music as part of your life, consistent, intentional practice in high school lays the foundation for whatever comes next.

Recommended Daily Practice Time

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but here’s a helpful guideline:

• Beginner to Early Intermediate: 30–60 minutes per day

• Intermediate / Developing Musicians: 60–90 minutes per day

• Advanced / College-Bound Students: 90 minutes to 2+ hours per day

The amount of time matters—but the quality of your practice matters even more. Ten minutes of thoughtful, focused work on technique is more valuable than thirty minutes of distracted repetition.

What College Programs Expect

Students applying to college music programs are typically expected to:

• Have at least 2–3 years of private lessons

• Be able to perform contrasting repertoire (often in multiple languages or styles, especially for singers)

• Show consistent progress in technique, musicality, and artistry

• Participate in ensembles, whether through school, church, or community programs

• Be familiar with music theory and sight-reading

If you’re serious about music, junior and senior year of high school are the time to start practicing like a college student—and to build habits that will support your growth.

The Bigger Picture

Even if you don’t plan to major in music, disciplined practice teaches skills that go far beyond the stage: time management, self-motivation, resilience, and the ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps.

As I tell my students often:

“Practice like the musician you want to become.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re a high school student considering music after graduation, or a parent wondering how to support your child’s goals, don’t worry about perfection—focus on consistency. Start with what you can manage and build from there. And if you’re unsure where to begin, a qualified private teacher can make all the difference.