Study Tips from a Musician

Alicia, an LSAT Demon student, has a unique approach to studying for the LSAT due to her background as a violinist.

We recently interviewed Alicia for the LSAT Demon Daily podcast. In this article, we’re sharing some of the key takeaways from our discussion, including how Alicia’s experiences as a musician informed her LSAT preparation strategy. 

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Alicia emphasized the importance of focused, efficient study sessions. She compared this approach to her violin practice, where a focused hour of targeted work is far more effective than spending several hours with little direction. 

In both music and LSAT prep, it’s not about how much time you put in but how you use that time. A focused session with a clear goal will lead to more progress than trying to cram hours of study without focus. 

Set Short-Term, Achievable Goals

Breaking up your work into achievable steps is an effective way to reach your goals in both music and on the LSAT. 

Alicia shared how she applies the concept of tackling a small section of a violin piece to her LSAT study. Instead of overwhelming herself with everything at once, she sets specific goals for each session, such as focusing on a particular section, or focusing on high-quality review. Over time, these small, focused efforts lead to significant improvements.

Embrace Slow Growth

Alicia highlighted the value of patience and consistency. She noted that it’s unrealistic to expect immediate results, whether it’s mastering a musical piece or understanding complex LSAT concepts. Progress, even if gradual, is still progress, so make sure to recognize and celebrate these incremental improvements.

Analyze Your Mistakes

Much like in music, where Alicia would stick with a song or phrase until it sounded just right, LSAT prep requires students to go deep on every question. Instead of simply acknowledging a mistake, analyze what led to it. This reflective process allows you to identify the root cause of your mistakes and adjust your approach to avoid repeating them.

Building Lifelong Skills

While the LSAT may feel like a finite challenge, Alicia pointed out that the skills developed while you’re preparing for the test—critical thinking, problem-solving, and goal-setting—are lifelong assets. Just as learning the violin teaches valuable skills that apply beyond music, the LSAT offers tools that can be useful in various aspects of life and legal practice.

Takeaway

Alicia’s experience as a musician shaped her LSAT prep and provided valuable insights that we can all keep in mind. Focus on quality over quantity, set clear goals, and accept that it won’t happen overnight. Follow this method and you can crush the LSAT and sharpen the skills you’ll use in law school.