We all know how easy it is to walk past that piano, guitar, drum set, wind instrument, and think, ‘We’ll practice later.’ But what if music became as simple as brushing teeth?
Try this: make music part of the daily routine - even if it’s just for 10 seconds! Yes, 10 seconds. It’s not about long sessions, especially for beginners. Simply have them pluck the strings or play a few notes. Over time, they’ll naturally spend more time playing without even thinking about it!
When your student gets to a certain level, they will need to do some warm up exercises before getting into the practice. Kids don’t love warming up; it's like asking them to eat their veggies first. But it’s important, just like stretching before a sport. Help them understand that warming up is about preparing to make music! Your teacher will help keep it interesting—but your student can do whatever they like: fun exercises, mixing up scales, or sight-reading something silly. And a quick "cool down" with a favorite song will wrap things up on a happy note.
I’m not saying your child needs a grand vision of being the next Mozart, but having a goal for each practice session can make a world of difference. Instead of playing the same old stuff just to say they “practiced,” encourage them to aim for one small improvement each day—like nailing that tricky note or playing one phrase smoothly. And encourage participation at one of our bi-monthly Open Mics and bi-annual Recitals as that helps the teacher motivate your student as well.
We’ve all done it—waited until the last minute to tackle that school project (or work deadline). And when it comes to music, if there’s a difficult song your child is dreading, it’s tempting to push it off. But taking just little bites and practicing a little bit each day is more effective than cramming. A tiny, focused practice of 10 minutes per day beats a two-hour, “Why isn’t this working?!” session. Start small, chip away, and celebrate those mini-victories.
When your child hits a tricky section, the instinct might be to start over and hope for the best. If it’s a timing issue, a metronome can be a huge help! Start at a slower tempo, play the tricky part three times without mistakes, and gradually increase speed. By practicing with a metronome, they’ll not only nail the notes but also keep a steady rhythm, which is key to sounding polished.
One parent shared their experience with this very approach: “When my kids slow down, break down the tough parts, and use a metronome to get it right, they improve so much faster. The faster they improve, the more they enjoy playing their instrument - it’s a great confidence booster.” - Kathleen K.
Your child isn’t just learning to play an instrument - they’re learning a new language. Music is about more than just hitting the right notes; it’s about understanding the emotion and expression behind them. Here are a few ways to help your child see the bigger picture and get inspired:
Give your child permission to write all over that sheet music! (Maybe just make a copy first if it's a treasured original.) If they keep forgetting a fingering or miss a dynamic change, have them highlight, circle, and scribble until it's impossible to miss. It’s a cheat sheet—designed by your own kid!
Recordings can be an amazing tool! Yes, they might cringe a little at first, but listening back helps your child hear things they might miss in the moment. Whether they’re playing an instrument or singing, recording allows them to hear timing and pitch issues, but it also helps them see where they might be holding tension or need to adjust their posture. These small adjustments can make a huge difference in both sound quality and presentation. Make it fun - play back the videos, celebrate the progress, laugh at the bloopers, but also show them how far they’ve come!
Let’s be honest—sometimes your child is just not in the mood to practice, and that’s okay. Forcing practice when they're tired, cranky, or distracted can lead to more frustration than progress. It’s better to take a short break, play something fun, or call it a day and come back refreshed tomorrow. Music should feel joyful, not like a chore. A relaxed, happy kid makes a better musician.
After every practice session, give your child a high-five, a hug, or maybe a little treat—whatever makes them feel accomplished! Learning an instrument is no easy feat, and they deserve a reward for sticking with it. Help them see how awesome it is that they’re learning music, and celebrate the small wins just as much as the big ones.
Remember, practicing doesn’t have to be a battle or a burden. It’s about building a habit, keeping things fun, and celebrating the journey as much as the destination. You’ve got this—and so does your little musician!
Read more about practicing:
Should I Force My Child to Practice?
Keeping Up With Piano Practice While Traveling
Fun With Holiday Music: Why It's Great for Kids' Practice
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