5 ways to motivate my child to practice

In the beginning, students are eager to practice but eventually the mundane routine kicks in after awhile. How do you keep you or child motivated to practice? Over the 13 + years of teaching I’ve found these tips to be helpful:

1. Finding the right teacher- You want to find a teacher that matches your philosophy in learning music. If the teacher’s goal is to help students win competitions when the student simply just wants to learn to read music for their enjoyment, it may not the be right match. Also do the teacher and student have the right chemistry? This may require some adjustments over time when a student’s goals changes in learning music. It’s important to make sure the teacher and student are on the same page. This is why I personally have regular parent-teacher check in’s to make sure the student is still engaged and happy along with the parents.
2. Have the student or child determine their scheduled time to practice- Give control to child on when they would like to practice daily instead of being the one responsible to keep them on track. The more control a child has, the more ownership they will have over the practice and learning. Then practice won’t feel like a chore but an activity the choose into.
3. Celebrating their accomplishments: For example I have yearly Summerand Winter recitals. The child showcases select songs they’ve been polishing over time. This is a great opportunity to praise and celebrate their progress. It takes a lot of bravery to perform in front of many people. Also when a child has finished a level, a hard piece or simply been consistent in practicing, its ok to reward them to verbal praise or prizes as you wish. I do this in my in home studio.
4. Have them play songs they like: It’s so important for a child to have a say in what type of music they learn. After going through their method books, I usually have my students pick songs they’d like to learn or play by ear or by sight. Usually students are motivated to practice or learn more when they enjoy playing a song they like. So it’s important to not just have them learn proper technique, theory, and musical concepts but it’s also just as important for them to play songs they enjoy including pieces they have mastered so it doesn’t feel like they are “laboring” in the learning. It’s essential for them to “JUST PLAY.”
5. Help them Appreciate Music: Not everyone can afford music lessons. Let your child know that learning music is a privilege not a chore. Also take them to concerts, have them listen to different types of music, and introduce them to musicians. We all need inspiration including professional musicians. Children and students need it even more as they are studying hard. Explain to them the opportunities that come with learning music, especially reading music. They will then understand the pay off of all the hard work they are investing in practicing and taking lessons.