PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS
Consistent practice is an important part of learning any instrument. While lessons provide instruction, guidance, and encouragement, much of a student’s growth happens between lessons as new skills are practiced and strengthened at home.
Ideally, students should practice regularly throughout the week. Daily practice is a great goal, but busy schedules can make that difficult at times. What matters most is developing a consistent routine that gives students enough time with their music to continue making progress.
Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and perseverance. Many accomplished musicians will tell you there were times when they wanted to quit or simply did not feel like practicing. Selena understands this firsthand. As a child, she sometimes tried everything she could to get out of practicing. Today, she is grateful her parents encouraged her to continue. The skills she developed through those years of practice gave her a love of music she could carry with her for a lifetime.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
It is easy to assume that a student who needs reminders to practice must not enjoy music or is simply not meant to play an instrument. That is not necessarily true. Students go through seasons. There may be times when they are excited about piano and cannot wait to play, and other times when practice feels difficult and they would rather do something else. Those changes in enthusiasm are a normal part of learning.
Progress requires effort, and even experienced musicians have days when they do not feel like practicing. Helping students learn to remain committed when something becomes challenging can develop perseverance that extends far beyond music.
Parents also do not have to turn every practice session into a battle. A little structure, encouragement, creativity, and consistency can make practice much more productive and much more enjoyable.
TIPS FOR ENCOURAGING CONSISTENT PRACTICE
Every student is different. What motivates one may not motivate another, so finding the right combination of structure, encouragement, and enjoyment is important. The following ideas can help make practice a more natural and productive part of the week.
FOLLOW THEIR WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
At each lesson, students receive a detailed practice schedule based on their age and skill level. It may include which pieces to practice, how many times to play them, specific skills to work on, and something enjoyable to finish with.
Following that plan gives students direction when they sit down to practice rather than simply playing through whatever they remember from the lesson. If they finish their assigned work and feel inspired to keep playing, encourage them to do so!
ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT PRACTICE ROUTINE
Whenever possible, designate a regular time for practice and make it part of the student’s normal routine. Just as homework, meals, and other activities have a place in the day, practice becomes easier when students know when to expect it.
Choose a practice space with as few distractions as possible. Turning off the television and putting away phones and other distractions helps students focus and make better use of their practice time.
KEEP PRACTICE SESSIONS MANAGEABLE
Longer does not always mean better. Younger students especially may accomplish more during shorter, focused sessions than during one long session after they have already lost concentration.
If thirty minutes feels overwhelming, consider dividing practice into two fifteen minute sessions at different times of the day. The appropriate amount of time will vary according to the student’s age, skill level, and current assignments.
A timer can also provide helpful structure. Rather than repeatedly asking whether practice is finished, establish the expected practice time beforehand so the student knows exactly what is expected.
USE REWARDS AND INCENTIVES WHEN HELPFUL
Some students respond well to visual goals and rewards. A practice calendar, sticker chart, or another simple tracking system allows students to see their consistency and celebrate what they have accomplished.
Rewards do not need to be expensive. A favorite treat, special activity, trip to the park, extra privilege, or progress toward a larger goal can provide a little extra motivation while students are developing the consistency and discipline that eventually make practice part of their routine.
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Practice can become easier when expectations are established ahead of time rather than negotiated every day. Families may choose to make practice part of the routine before television, games, time with friends, or another favorite activity.
Clear and consistent expectations can reduce the need for repeated reminders and help students understand that practice is simply one of the responsibilities that comes with learning an instrument.
TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN THEIR PROGRESS
Students notice when someone is genuinely interested in what they are learning. Occasionally stop and listen. Ask them to play something for you. Notice improvement and acknowledge the work it took to get there.
Encouragement is especially meaningful when it is specific. Instead of simply saying, “That was good,” recognize the progress you actually hear. It may be a difficult section they finally mastered, improved rhythm, greater confidence, or the fact that they kept working when a piece was challenging. If you play an instrument yourself, occasionally join them. Playing together can turn practice into an opportunity for connection as well as learning.
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO PERFORM
Playing for others gives students an opportunity to experience the reward of their hard work. Encourage them to perform a favorite piece for family or friends, participate in studio performance opportunities, or share their music in other appropriate settings.
Encouragement from people beyond their immediate family can strengthen a student’s confidence and help them recognize just how much progress they have made. Performing also gives students something meaningful to work toward and allows them to experience the satisfaction of sharing what they have learned.
MAKE ROOM FOR FUN
Not everything played at the piano has to be an assignment. Scales, exercises, and challenging pieces are important, but students also need opportunities to simply enjoy making music.
Let them return to favorite pieces, explore music they enjoy, or occasionally play something just because it is fun. Music requires discipline, but it should also bring joy.
Consistent practice is an important part of learning any instrument. While lessons provide instruction, guidance, and encouragement, much of a student’s growth happens between lessons as new skills are practiced and strengthened at home.
Ideally, students should practice regularly throughout the week. Daily practice is a great goal, but busy schedules can make that difficult at times. What matters most is developing a consistent routine that gives students enough time with their music to continue making progress.
Learning an instrument takes time, patience, and perseverance. Many accomplished musicians will tell you there were times when they wanted to quit or simply did not feel like practicing. Selena understands this firsthand. As a child, she sometimes tried everything she could to get out of practicing. Today, she is grateful her parents encouraged her to continue. The skills she developed through those years of practice gave her a love of music she could carry with her for a lifetime.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
It is easy to assume that a student who needs reminders to practice must not enjoy music or is simply not meant to play an instrument. That is not necessarily true. Students go through seasons. There may be times when they are excited about piano and cannot wait to play, and other times when practice feels difficult and they would rather do something else. Those changes in enthusiasm are a normal part of learning.
Progress requires effort, and even experienced musicians have days when they do not feel like practicing. Helping students learn to remain committed when something becomes challenging can develop perseverance that extends far beyond music.
Parents also do not have to turn every practice session into a battle. A little structure, encouragement, creativity, and consistency can make practice much more productive and much more enjoyable.
TIPS FOR ENCOURAGING CONSISTENT PRACTICE
Every student is different. What motivates one may not motivate another, so finding the right combination of structure, encouragement, and enjoyment is important. The following ideas can help make practice a more natural and productive part of the week.
FOLLOW THEIR WEEKLY PRACTICE SCHEDULE
At each lesson, students receive a detailed practice schedule based on their age and skill level. It may include which pieces to practice, how many times to play them, specific skills to work on, and something enjoyable to finish with.
Following that plan gives students direction when they sit down to practice rather than simply playing through whatever they remember from the lesson. If they finish their assigned work and feel inspired to keep playing, encourage them to do so!
ESTABLISH A CONSISTENT PRACTICE ROUTINE
Whenever possible, designate a regular time for practice and make it part of the student’s normal routine. Just as homework, meals, and other activities have a place in the day, practice becomes easier when students know when to expect it.
Choose a practice space with as few distractions as possible. Turning off the television and putting away phones and other distractions helps students focus and make better use of their practice time.
KEEP PRACTICE SESSIONS MANAGEABLE
Longer does not always mean better. Younger students especially may accomplish more during shorter, focused sessions than during one long session after they have already lost concentration.
If thirty minutes feels overwhelming, consider dividing practice into two fifteen minute sessions at different times of the day. The appropriate amount of time will vary according to the student’s age, skill level, and current assignments.
A timer can also provide helpful structure. Rather than repeatedly asking whether practice is finished, establish the expected practice time beforehand so the student knows exactly what is expected.
USE REWARDS AND INCENTIVES WHEN HELPFUL
Some students respond well to visual goals and rewards. A practice calendar, sticker chart, or another simple tracking system allows students to see their consistency and celebrate what they have accomplished.
Rewards do not need to be expensive. A favorite treat, special activity, trip to the park, extra privilege, or progress toward a larger goal can provide a little extra motivation while students are developing the consistency and discipline that eventually make practice part of their routine.
SET CLEAR EXPECTATIONS
Practice can become easier when expectations are established ahead of time rather than negotiated every day. Families may choose to make practice part of the routine before television, games, time with friends, or another favorite activity.
Clear and consistent expectations can reduce the need for repeated reminders and help students understand that practice is simply one of the responsibilities that comes with learning an instrument.
TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN THEIR PROGRESS
Students notice when someone is genuinely interested in what they are learning. Occasionally stop and listen. Ask them to play something for you. Notice improvement and acknowledge the work it took to get there.
Encouragement is especially meaningful when it is specific. Instead of simply saying, “That was good,” recognize the progress you actually hear. It may be a difficult section they finally mastered, improved rhythm, greater confidence, or the fact that they kept working when a piece was challenging. If you play an instrument yourself, occasionally join them. Playing together can turn practice into an opportunity for connection as well as learning.
CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO PERFORM
Playing for others gives students an opportunity to experience the reward of their hard work. Encourage them to perform a favorite piece for family or friends, participate in studio performance opportunities, or share their music in other appropriate settings.
Encouragement from people beyond their immediate family can strengthen a student’s confidence and help them recognize just how much progress they have made. Performing also gives students something meaningful to work toward and allows them to experience the satisfaction of sharing what they have learned.
MAKE ROOM FOR FUN
Not everything played at the piano has to be an assignment. Scales, exercises, and challenging pieces are important, but students also need opportunities to simply enjoy making music.
Let them return to favorite pieces, explore music they enjoy, or occasionally play something just because it is fun. Music requires discipline, but it should also bring joy.
REMIND THEM HOW FAR THEY HAVE COME
A new piece can feel impossible when a student first begins learning it. Remind them that many of the pieces they now play easily once felt difficult too.
Looking back at what they have already mastered helps students understand something important: the hard part does not stay hard forever. With consistent practice, what once seemed difficult can eventually become something they play confidently and enjoy.
REMEMBER THE BIGGER PICTURE
Learning music is about more than mastering notes on a page. It develops discipline, patience, focus, perseverance, confidence, and the satisfaction that comes from working toward something worthwhile.
Most importantly, students are developing a skill they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress and a lifelong love of music.
If you have questions about practice or would like help developing a practice routine that is both productive and enjoyable for you or your student, please ask at your next lesson or contact:
A new piece can feel impossible when a student first begins learning it. Remind them that many of the pieces they now play easily once felt difficult too.
Looking back at what they have already mastered helps students understand something important: the hard part does not stay hard forever. With consistent practice, what once seemed difficult can eventually become something they play confidently and enjoy.
REMEMBER THE BIGGER PICTURE
Learning music is about more than mastering notes on a page. It develops discipline, patience, focus, perseverance, confidence, and the satisfaction that comes from working toward something worthwhile.
Most importantly, students are developing a skill they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. The goal is not perfection. The goal is progress and a lifelong love of music.
If you have questions about practice or would like help developing a practice routine that is both productive and enjoyable for you or your student, please ask at your next lesson or contact:
Fancy Fingers Piano Studio
114 W. Doty Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 991-6080
88keys2music@gmail.com
114 W. Doty Avenue
Summerville, SC 29483
(843) 991-6080
88keys2music@gmail.com