Get the Most Out of Your Child’s Music Lessons

Music lessons for children are a collaboration between the parent, teacher, and student. You as parent have a major influence over how your child will perceive lessons. The teacher is only there once or twice a week, but the real work begins after the lesson is over and the practice begins. The following suggestions will help you create a healthy environment for your child's music practice.

1) Short Practice Sessions

The ideal arrangement for young children and beginners would be to have two 10-20 minute practice sessions EVERY day. (Longer sessions for older children). However if your child participates in extra-curricular activities then it can be challenging, but not impossible to meet that recommendation.

Even on a day when there “isn’t time” to practice, a short 5 minute session will be infinitely better than not practicing at all. The real goal is to develop the habit and expectation to not miss a day. Review the assignments with your child and pick one (maybe two) things to practice 3 – 5 times each, and call it a successful practice session. This is an excellent recommendation from Flowkey.com,

“You'll probably witness yourself how long gaps between practice sessions will cause your child's skills to fade, slowing their progress as a result. Avoid this by encouraging them to practice a little bit everyday. Point out that their only other option is doing one long, difficult hour on a Saturday afternoon and they'll definitely be on board with keeping a daily routine!”

2) Repetitions Not Duration

Doing an assigned exercise, passage, or piece 3-5 times in a row accurately is a better use of time than practicing for x minutes. It will teach the student about deliberate practice and focus. Additionally, this eliminates the possibility of “running out the clock” - a tactic young children often employ. A number of repetitions also fosters the mindset of “perfect practice makes perfect,” which is more effective for skill acquisition than absentmindedly repeating movements.

3) Give a Performance

Telling your child that you would like to hear them can be a fantastic motivator. Gauge their response. Most young children love to perform on their own terms. If coerced into an impromptu performance they can easily withdraw and have develop a negative attitude toward performing. Try planning a performance of one song for the family pet, just the parents, or ask them if they want to make a video of themselves playing their favorite song. Let them decide when and how to perform for the first few times.

4) Autonomy

Allowing them freedom to make choices about they will practice will develop a personal investment and connection with practice time. Parents.com says the following about autonomy.

"Turning piano practice into an ugly power struggle every night is a sure way to make your son hate it. Nobody likes to feel controlled. Is there a way you can give your son some choices about when or how he practices or at least a rationale that makes sense to him? Acknowledge that practicing can be frustrating, but explain that it's a necessary part of learning an instrument, and he will definitely improve if he sticks with it.

This is probably the number one fear parents have about their children and music lessons. Figuring out away to talk to them about and letting them feel in control will definitely help.

Ask your child, "What would make it easier or more pleasant for you to practice?" Would it help to practice at a different time? Does he need siblings out of the way or a pillow to sit on? Would it be easier to play each piece three times rather than practicing for a certain length of time?”

Other questions to consider: Do you want to practice right after school? After basketball practice? Before dinner? After dinner? Before bath? Sometimes the practice space might be the issue. Ideally they can have space free of distractions and noises (and meddlesome siblings/family members). Sometimes all the student needs is a quiet room at the right time of day.

5) Rewards

There is disagreement if using rewards is an effective strategy, but I think it can be done in a helpful and healthy way. I would suggest implementing rewards only AFTER trying other methods, otherwise your child may become externally motivated to practice.

Successfully completing assignments, or perhaps only doing a little extra practice, would merit a point. Ask your child’s teacher, and consult your child to determine appropriate goals. Involving your child will provide accountability and control over their music making. It is worth repeating that rewards should be a last resort in establishing a practice routine. Try the other methods first! Click here for more tips on rewards.

---

Conclusion

These strategies will help your children progress faster and make their time spent practicing more enjoyable. Carefully consider which of these would suit your child’s strengths, and help develop their weaknesses. Consult with your child’s teacher about practice expectations, and how, when, or if to implement these strategies.

Have you tried any of these, or do you have some to add? Please leave a comment, or reach out to me via email or social media! If you have a particularly insightful comment or question, I will use it and give you a shoutout on a future post!