If you’re looking for a family goal for 2020, try these simple tips for building a good practice routine during the new year. With successful practice time at home, your children will see incredible growth in their music lessons, but they do need a parent’s help to keep it up!
Set up a reward system
Learning a musical instrument teaches children the discipline they’ll use for the rest of their lives, but discipline takes a little work to develop in the beginning. One of the easiest methods is a reward system. Whether you give a sticker, piece of candy, or cute eraser after a daily 30-minute practice session, your student will learn to associate practice (even when it’s difficult) with a fun treat after they’re finished.
Most younger students need an immediate reward for practicing each day, but some can “earn” a larger reward with multiple days of practice or progress through pieces.
Make practice an actual routine
As often as possible, practice at the same time every day -- whether that’s immediately after school or dinner, routine is important for building a new discipline. As adults, we know this works when we’re trying to reach a fitness or productivity goal, and the same is true for children learning an instrument.
Evaluate your student’s schedule and look for a time each day they can set aside for practice. You will have fewer arguments over practicing (eventually) if they know they always practice at the same time.
Use a timer
If your student has warmups, technique, classical, and pop books, set a time for each segment of the practice time. When a practice session is broken down into smaller portions, you can be confident your student is working through their assignments at least once, and they’ll see the time go by faster.
Ask your student to “perform” every week
Some students get so nervous about performing, they don’t want to play for their parents or grandparents. But music is meant to be shared, and the more often the better! Encourage your student to play for a family member at least once a week (even if it’s just you).
Not only is this “practice” for performing at a recital, but as a parent you’ll notice if they’re playing the same song every week or learning new techniques and advancing.
Of course, some students feel embarrassed to play because they haven’t practiced like they should. If they know they need to play for a grandparent once a week, they might be encouraged to review their pieces more often.
Sit in on lessons
Learn your child’s homework directly from the instructor by checking in following their weekly lessons. You’ll learn how they need to practice at home and what songs they should be working on (in case you thought they were assigned the Pirates of the Carribean theme song for an entire year).
Discipline takes time
Most parents don’t realize the commitment necessary to learn a musical instrument -- but it makes sense when you look at the full picture of your student’s day. They go to the same classes every day, you drop them off at a sport every day, and they even have homework for those daily activities. Music is the same, but you only see the instructor once a week.
While the early days of learning self-discipline takes time, students see the reward as they progress and will eventually be driven to practice on their own. If you never see the payoff (even with consistent practice), it may be time to look at a different instrument or activity.
Many students want to quit without putting in the work necessary to grow in skill, but with a supportive, encouraging environment for home practice, you can make 2020 a great year for musical growth!
