Ford Barker

Get Your Child to Practice

The day will come when your child will play the piano well enough that practicing will be done, without revolt, out of a sense of joy that music has to offer. Until that blessed day arrives let me make some suggestions to help smooth the road.

Is the piano used for practice reasonably in tune and do all the keys work? If not then consult a piano technician and make plan some repairs. Its better not to insist that your child continuously work with the practice pedal engaged. This distorts both the touch of the mechanism and the tone.

Encourage your child to develop a practice schedule with a fixed daily routine. This way practicing will become a habit like brushing your teeth. Choose a time when the mind is fresh. A good time is after school and a snack or before doing homework or watching television. Strive to make this time free from distraction and extraneous noise - encourage the family to respect this “practice zone”.

Having created a physical environment that is friendly to productive practice, what more can be done? Here are some suggestions for utilizing positive reinforcement and building musical self-esteem:

Help your child to set practice goals and use a sticker chart to record when those goals are accomplished. Stickers and young children are amazing!
Set some time aside and sit down and listen to your child’s music. Find something to compliment. If you hear a well shaped melodic phrase then remark how much you enjoyed hearing it. If you notice your child sitting tall on the bench, mention it.
When your child has successfully learned a piece or two, stage a home recital. Invite members of the family, relatives, neighbors or friends.