How do I get my child to practice the piano?

You’ve signed up your child for piano lessons that they attend once a week for thirty minutes.  You've taken your first step towards developing their musical future.  Now, you are focused on your child advancing, experiencing a love of music and yes, you’re focused on getting your money’s worth.  How do you make your investment in piano lessons work for both you and your child?

Here are some suggestions that will make your piano dollars produce a talented musician:

(1)    Think like a child - You signed your child up for lessons because you, as an adult, see a bright future.  You see the benefits of music to the brain and coordination.  You see an avenue of creativity.  What does your child see?  Your child sees another event in his or her day over which they have very little control.  Long term goals are generally not imagined by a child.  Therefore,  it is up to you to make interesting short-term rewards in a language your child understands.  Think rewards in term of stickers, candy, prizes, monetary earnings all given for good and consistent practice.  Reward the short-term responsibility of playing every day.  Children are often rewarded for cleaning their room.  By the same token, reward them for their attention to music.  In turn, they will become a confident piano student because they are arriving at their lessons well-prepared.

(2)    Say “play” the piano – not “practice” the piano.  “Play” is a nicer word than “practice.”  It connotes happiness and free time.  These are two very nice options for a child.

(3)    Be a great audience – Listen to your child “play” every day with interest.  This is your opportunity to be an enthusiastic audience.  Do not attempt to teach your child at every practice session.  There is too much opportunity for conflict and hurt feelings.  Leave this to the professional instructor at the piano studio.

(4)    Ask your child to write you a song.  Even if a child is encouraged to play a few notes that are their very own, they feel proud to express their personal creativity.  It’s a good feeling.

(5)    Encourage your child to perform for friends and family.  The piano is a performance instrument.  Children are usually quite happy to show off the fruits of their efforts.

(6)    Get the right teacher for your child’s personality.  A teacher who is a concert pianist may not be the best teacher for your beginning student.  The effectiveness of beginning piano lessons is all about a good match of personalities between child and student.  Watch your child leave their lesson – is he/she smiling (skipping, laughing, singing, dancing) or is he/she leaving the lesson walking with head down, looking defeated.  Make sure your child is happy – it is the memories of those first lessons that are vital to fond memories and the desire to play.

Your child will thrive and benefit from piano lessons if you are attentive to their needs on a weekly basis.  Be sensitive to their experience and you are sure to produce a talented and happy musician.