Consistent practise is needed to see improvement and success at the piano and for the student to enjoy learning the piano.
How often should a student practise?
Ideally students should practise everyday to retain information and ensure steady progress. I realize that with some children's busy lives that may not always be possible. Even if you can only fit in a short practise on some days, that's better than nothing. Some students double up their practise, and practise more on days they are not as busy.
When should a student practise?
The key to practise is consistency. Parents should help their child set up a regular practise schedule and stick with it throughout the year. Some students like to practise in the morning before school, others after school, or in the evening following supper, whatever you find works best for your child.
How long should a student practise?
This depends on the age and level of the student. I will give you some guidelines at the beginning of the year.
No one regrets learning an instrument!
I have met many people who regret quitting lessons, but none who regret sticking with it! I am grateful that my parents encouraged me to stick with it, even when I was frustrated and didn't want to practise. There are so many important benefits and life skills gained form learning an instrument, not to mention the beauty it brings into your life.
Common misconceptions about practising.
Many parents believe that they should not have to tell their children to practise. When a child complains about practising or doesn't practise without reminders, many parents take this as a sign that their child should quit piano lessons because they are not cut out for lessons or they just don't love it enough.
It is completely normal for children to avoid practise, after all, it can be difficult! But growth and accomplishment do not come easy and improvement on any instrument requires hard work. Getting your child to practise, even when they don't want to, is part of the process in learning an instrument. Students often hit plateaus, where they might feel frustrated that they are not progressing. This is completely normal, and we just need to ride them out and encourage the student until they master those specific concepts and ideas. Some students also go through stages where one month they will love the piano, and the next month they don't want to practise at all. Parents can help by being supportive and encouraging, and helping the student to stick to their practise routine. Teaching children to stick with something and stay with a committed routine is a valuable lesson for a child to learn.
Please see the page on encouraging consistent practise.
How often should a student practise?
Ideally students should practise everyday to retain information and ensure steady progress. I realize that with some children's busy lives that may not always be possible. Even if you can only fit in a short practise on some days, that's better than nothing. Some students double up their practise, and practise more on days they are not as busy.
When should a student practise?
The key to practise is consistency. Parents should help their child set up a regular practise schedule and stick with it throughout the year. Some students like to practise in the morning before school, others after school, or in the evening following supper, whatever you find works best for your child.
How long should a student practise?
This depends on the age and level of the student. I will give you some guidelines at the beginning of the year.
No one regrets learning an instrument!
I have met many people who regret quitting lessons, but none who regret sticking with it! I am grateful that my parents encouraged me to stick with it, even when I was frustrated and didn't want to practise. There are so many important benefits and life skills gained form learning an instrument, not to mention the beauty it brings into your life.
Common misconceptions about practising.
Many parents believe that they should not have to tell their children to practise. When a child complains about practising or doesn't practise without reminders, many parents take this as a sign that their child should quit piano lessons because they are not cut out for lessons or they just don't love it enough.
It is completely normal for children to avoid practise, after all, it can be difficult! But growth and accomplishment do not come easy and improvement on any instrument requires hard work. Getting your child to practise, even when they don't want to, is part of the process in learning an instrument. Students often hit plateaus, where they might feel frustrated that they are not progressing. This is completely normal, and we just need to ride them out and encourage the student until they master those specific concepts and ideas. Some students also go through stages where one month they will love the piano, and the next month they don't want to practise at all. Parents can help by being supportive and encouraging, and helping the student to stick to their practise routine. Teaching children to stick with something and stay with a committed routine is a valuable lesson for a child to learn.
Please see the page on encouraging consistent practise.