INSTRUMENTAL PRACTICE - Hints and tips!

As more of our students are taking up instruments, here are some handy tips for making home practice a joy, rather than a chore.

J (15, drums Grade 6+, five yrs piano, guitar self taught) manages his own practise, started teaching drums

Your child is learning to play an instrument - amazing! This skill will stay with them for life, bringing them endless hours of joy! The truth, though, is: it's not an easy skill to master and, aside from having chosen the right instrument and teacher, the one thing crucial for long-term success is regular practice. Why? Because they only progress as the master new skills. Only progress and mastery keep passion alive because progress and mastery are addictive.

All children are different, and some may find this an easy habit to cultivate. Mine didn’t. While they love music and love their instruments, this aspect has been quite challenging in our house, and so I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned along the way, both from my children and their teachers, that have helped us establish regular routines. 

R (13, trumpet and bass) practises, but benefits from reminders

Hints and Tips

Treat it like eating vegetables. In our house, eating vegetables is non-negotiable. However, I try to avoid power struggles by regularly serving veggies I know the kids like. I also hide lots in Bolognese and stews, and try to serve them in interesting ways. Like eating veg, learning can be  uncomfortable, but overcoming challenges builds resilience. Tip: Think about how a little and often approach could work for your family.

“They’re playing a sport.” - Angela Dally, C's violin teacher. You don’t expect to run a marathon without training. Playing an instrument is just as much about training muscles as it is about creativity and passion. Shortly after my youngest was born, C wanted to stop violin. We were only managing one to two practice sessions a week but once we managed four, she fell back in love with her instrument and now she’s going strong! Tip: Call it “training” rather than practice and talk to your child about how it is like playing a sport.

"Go to the instrument at the same time each day." - Chris Dew, J's one-time piano teacher. Thinking of it as a daily routine like brushing teeth helps reduce friction. Initially, establishing the habit is more important than what happens during practice. Tip: Find a time that works really well for your family, e.g. a few minutes before school, or a task to tick off before screen time. 

“I want each of my students to have the possibility to go as far as they want.” - Roberta Wolff, C’s piano teacher. What role music plays in a child’s life is ultimately decided by them. Teachers help shape this, but we parents are crucial in helping set them up for success by fostering early, good practice habits. Tip: Think of yourself as your child’s pit crew.  

Want to delve deeper? Check out this article.

C (9, violin and piano - I sit in on her violin lessons and we practise together. Piano - attends lessons on her own, needs reminding to practise.