Learning an instrument requires time to practice the music and concepts introduced during the weekly lesson. Establishing a good practice routine is a key to success!
Give Your Child Ownership.
"When a student understands "why," "how," "where," and "when" to practice, they have been given power. They will feel a sense of responsibility, which will then lead to self-motivation and routine. Ideally, we want our children to have ownership over their own learning in every aspect of life, and music education is a wonderful way to teach this!" - Anthony Mazzocchi, The Music Parents' Guide
Why Practice?
Students need to practice so they are ready the game. What's the game in this case? A performance, such as our Fall Recital or Spring Recital. Perhaps the performance is playing for the grandparents or better yet playing for YOU or the teacher. Maybe it's making a video recording to send to a friend.
When?
What times works best for your student? When are they at their best? Don't rule out time before school because that can be an easy win. Whatever time it is, schedule it as if it were an appointment OUTSIDE the house. Don't let anything else get in the way.
How?
- Use your assignment book for notes on what the teacher has assigned for practice this week. Break the music down into small pieces (2 measures at a time, then 2 more, then put the 4 measures together, etc).
- Take it at a slow tempo so the small motor muscles in the hands can begin to memorize the movements.
- Repetition is key. Repetition strengthens the brain connections. With that in mind, it's better to practice 15 minutes a day for 5 days, then to sit down on 2 days and play 45 minutes each.
- Make it fun by turning practice time into a game. If your son or daughter loves baseball, then turn practice into a baseball game. Each time he or she plays a line of music correctly that's a hit. It may take several tries so those are all the pitches (balls and strikes). Keep score and celebrate each run! Whatever your student's passion is such as cooking or gymnastics or painting, find a way to incorporate those ideas into practice. The creativity will pay off with motivation.
Where?
Set aside a space in your home where practice will consistently take place. A Quiet area is best with a sturdy music stand and good lighting. Make sure that all the tools are handy - paper, pencil, metronome, tuner, rosin for string players, etc.
