Home Practice for Beginners
Many kids will argue from time to time about practicing - this is normal! It’s also totally normal if they don’t. Whatever is going on with your kid, you may want some pointers about practicing. Your child’s Interests will likely ebb and flow over time.
Music is something that we need to stick with, if we want to develop a sense of ease and enjoyment for the long term.
To do that, we need to build good practice habits at home.
Here are some general tips about home practice that may help you set the stage for success with your budding musician!
Pick a time that will work consistently. Perhaps it could be first thing in the morning, or maybe in the evening as soon as supper is finished. Making practicing part of a routine helps make it something that is expected and normal in your child's day. 15 minutes a day, 4 times a week is much more effective than 1 hour, once a week.
Visit the piano every day. Trying to visit the piano with a positive experience every day (or almost every day) is best for new learners. Even if it feels like they are just “messing around”, building a positive relationship is key.
The Goldilocks Zone. In terms of how long to practice, it will vary by student and by age (and sometimes by day). More is always better - as long as it is fun! these guidelines are based on average learners, at a beginner level:
7-10 minutes for a child aged 5-7
10-20 minutes for a child aged 8-10
20-30 minutes for a child aged 10-14
30+ minutes for a child of highschool age
Don't worry too much, as long as you trust your teacher, and your child is having a good time at the piano consistently, they will get around to learning everything they need eventually.
You don’t need to teach your child music—that’s what their teacher is for!
Your role is something different, and just as important: helping create an environment where music can become a positive, rewarding part of their life. Here are some ways you can support them:
setting aside time in the day for practice to happen
help reading the child’s lesson notes/prompting them to read them
being present to provide a sense of encouragement and showing your interest
keeping your expectations appropriate
communicating with the teacher what is happening at home
Here are some simple things you can say during home practice to encourage your young musician, build their confidence, and keep them engaged:
Which hand/finger/note is first? Let's look and see.
Have you read your lesson notes and done all of the tasks?
Did you check off your practice days?
We need to go slow when we're learning. Even I have to go slow sometimes!
Mistakes are OK- they help us learn. I make mistakes all the time.
I'm proud of you, learning the piano is hard!
Wow! Look how much you've already learned.
Hmm, it looks like you’re frustrated. Why not take a break and try again later, when you’re feeling better?
Would you play that song again later, when [fill-in-the-blank] is over? I think they will love it!
If your child is becoming very upset or argumentative about practicing, reach out to your teacher for support. We don’t want practice to become a source of ongoing negativity or frustration.
There are many reasons a student may be struggling. They might need a change in repertoire, a temporary reduction in practice time while they build stamina, or more concrete guidance about how to practice. Playing a song over and over isn’t always an effective practice strategy!
Every student is different, and finding the right approach is key to creating a positive musical experience. We want to find one that helps them build confidence and, hopefully, want to make music for life.
We wish you the best in setting up a routine that works for your family. Happy music making!