Piano lessons can be a great way for children to learn discipline, focus, and a love of music, but it’s not always easy to get them to practice. All piano teachers have had students who simply don’t want to practice.
As a parent, you want them to learn and enjoy the piano, but what can you do to motivate them to put in the hours needed to master it? Here are a few things that can motivate your kids to practice and love the instrument.
Create a Routine
One of the easiest ways of getting children to practice playing piano is to make it a part of their daily or weekly routine. It should be something they know will be a part of their day, just like lunch and brushing their teeth. Daily practice, whether it’s right after school, later in the evening, or even in the morning, will help them learn to create habits of discipline and structure that can last them well into their adult years.
Keep It Low-Stress
This practice time, however, shouldn’t be a stressful event. Piano teachers often give their students certain pieces to work on, but remember that kids like to have fun, too. Playing any instrument should be a fun experience, so don’t always make your kids work on the music they’ve been assigned. Set aside a day or two every week to let them play whatever they want. Some creative kids may even try writing their own music.
Don’t Be Too Focused on Length of Time
Avoid forcing your children to practice every single minute of a thirty-minute session. This can make practice seem like a chore or an unfair, drawn-out task. Instead, let them play for as long as they’re excited to do so. There may be days they don’t want to practice at all. On these days, let them know that they should at least play a few songs so as to keep in the habit. If nothing else, tell them they can have an extra reward or other small prize if they practice for even ten minutes.
Studying with Piano Teachers Is a Special Opportunity
Another way of motivating your child to practice piano is to talk to them about how taking piano lessons is a special opportunity that some of their peers may never have. Discuss how the ability to play music is a wonderful skill they will be able to use for the rest of their life. If you play music, talk about how much you enjoy it and share moments from your past where music played a special part. You may even want to take your child to a local concert so they can see how much fun a trained pianist can have.
Be Involved
Piano lessons and practice aren’t just opportunities for your child, though. It also gives you a chance to be involved in something they’re doing. If you play piano, you can play along with them. If you don’t, this could be your chance to learn alongside them. Let your child teach you a song or piano basics. This lets you spend quality time together, teaches you piano, and helps reinforce their lessons.
Celebrate Their Accomplishments
Finally, celebrate your kids’ successes and accomplishments. Learning to play any instrument is a challenge, and it’s important to reward even the smaller victories. This is especially true in the beginning where even playing a few notes can be difficult. Offer words of encouragement regularly and do something special like getting an ice cream cone when your child hits major milestones.
Looking to enroll your child in piano lessons? Contact Lessons in Your Home today. We partner local coaches in major cities across the U.S. who will visit your home to spend individualized attention on your child. Unleash your child’s musical potential!
