Help Your Child Practice Effectively
Your Role in Your Child's Practice

by Aimee Phillips - March 15, 2010

Whether your child is 6 or 16, piano lessons are an investment in his or her future. But as in every investment, you're going to have to closely monitor it. If you put money in the stock market and then ingnore it, it becomes a gamble rather than a strategic way to create wealth.

In the beginning, was enthusiasm...Your child starts out with enthusiasm and big dreams to play the piano, but once the initial excitement wears off, she is suddenly faced with reality--practice.

I try to make learning challenging and fun, but even I can't bypass the need for practice, which can occasionally be tedious and boring. If you've ever played baseball or softball (or any sport), you know that you have to spend hours pitching, batting and running.

Talent is not a requirement to learn to play the piano...You don't have to be a math genius to learn to add and subtract! Some students learn quickly and effortlessly, others have to work harder at it. Some students play really well, others not as well. Even students with learning disabilities can learn to play the piano. Regular, consistent practice brings the best results for each student.

Don't leave your child to practice on his own...Children are often expected to practice after school before parents come home from work. They learn to say "yes" to the question, "Did you practice this afternoon?" Unfortunately, sitting at the piano for 3 minutes (It was about 30 minutes, Mom, I swear.) flipping through the music book (I was confused as to what I'm supposed to be doing; my teacher wasn't clear) and plucking a few notes (I tried, though, really) is often how a student practices when left on his own.

Set regular, realistic practice time and YOU enforce them...please don't expect your 6 or 8 or 12 year old to discipline himself to practice 5 times a week. Practice time should be treated the same as homework time--you regularly should oversee it. Don't leave your child to monitor your financial investment--or her educational investment.

As a parent, you're used to multi-tasking...it's common to have your child do homework while you prepare dinner, pay bills, do laundry or other household tasks. So, you can be productive while listening to a piano song, and be ready to assist whenever needed.

Buy extra music for your child to play...an easy way to show your interest in your child's lessons is to occasionally buy a music book with his favorite songs, or a pencil, cup, earrings or other musical trinket. Check online and occasionally buy something special as a reward for a job well done. Not only is this a great incentive, but your child will know that you are interestedin her success.

Encouragement vs criticism...The easiest, and best, way to encourage your child and foster enthusiasm is to be sincerely interested in his lessons and efforts. Applaud accomplishments, empathize with frustrations, and hear what your child is saying and playing. Nothing destroys enthusiasm faster than negative criticism. Yelling, threatening or belittling has absolutely no place in a child's piano practice...or anywhere else, for that matter.

Please don't compare your child's playing with anotehr relative or friend...Each student is unique and has his or her way of learning and playing.

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