No matter how excited your child started out, sometimes getting him or her to practice can feel like an intricate balancing act. You want them to understand that hard work pays off, but also have fun and stay motivated. But the minute your child views it as a “chore,” even the best young musicians can be quick to start a fight. Here are 5 tips for easing the struggle:
1. Let them do their thing. Offer suggestions, guidance, and praise—but give your child her space. There is a fine line between staying active in the lessons and being a “backseat driver.” Avoid setting a timer, as this can result in inefficient practice and resentment. Instead, encourage her to set a measurable goal, such as “I want to play this passage perfectly by the end of this practice time.”
2. Establish a practice routine. Figure out what time of day works best for your child, and block it out on the calendar. When practicing becomes a routine, much like brushing your teeth or sitting down to family dinner, it’s more likely to get done.
3. Figure out what excites her. There will always be scales and etudes to practice, but it’s important that your child is also working on songs that inspire and motivate her. Some children are too shy to speak up, so check in with her every now and then, and ask if she likes the material her teacher selects. You can also encourage her to listen to music she enjoys, or take her to a concert or performance to show her positive role models.
4. Help your child set goals, and celebrate when he hits those goals. Reaching milestones can be a great motivator! Consider offering a reward that will inspire him, whether that’s a fun music book or a local concert.
5. Stay positive. Remind your child that every musician experiences frustration at some point, and success takes patience and hard work. With time, he’ll realize that the practice he commits to makes a direct impact on his progress and performance—and that’s definitely a lesson worth learning.
Photo by tworedboots
Suzy S.