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Tips for Motivating Piano Practice
I
know how hard it is to encourage and remind your children to practice; As well
as practising the piano myself, I am now learning the cello and have to
remind myself to practise. I also had 3 children who learnt 2 instruments each
and at times life was very interesting! However over the years I have gathered
a few ideas that might help you as you support, encourage and supervise your
child’s piano practice sessions.
1.
Have
the piano in an accessible part of the house; don’t shut them away in a faraway
room- tempting as this might be. Keep the lid up and their music out.
2.
Set
a regular time to practice; make it a part of the daily routine: straight after
breakfast, as soon as they come in from school, immediately after their evening
meal, or as a break in between homework subjects. Life will get in the way but
try to stick to this.
3.
Remember
little and often is best (and more effective) rather than one stressed and
panicky hour the night before the lesson.
4.
Read
their Piano Practice Diary to see what I have said they should practise during
the week.
5.
Star
Charts work for some and there are plenty on Pinterest or on Susan Paradis’
website : www.susanparadis.com/colorful-flower-themed-practice-sheet/
She also has a robot themed one if your child would prefer that.
6.
Small
rewards work for some. I heard of a parent who pays 1p per minute practised,
another who puts marbles in a jar for each practice session which then add up
to a small prize. You can tailor this to your child.
7.
Young
children will need support and supervision during their practice so decide
which parent (or grandparent) is best for this.
8.
Be
incredibly encouraging but if you don’t know what to say have a look at
Printable Prompt Cards from
for ideas: http://www.letsplaykidsmusic.com/how-to-help-your-child-practice-for-non-playing-parents/
9.
Encourage
performances: recordings, playing happy birthday for relatives, mini concerts
for family and friends, playing their latest masterpiece to friends and family.
This gives a reason for practising and playing and boosts self-esteem.
10. Praise, praise, praise- realistic of
course; kids can smell bland unrealistic praise a mile off!
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