Learning music is more than just showing up for weekly lessons; the real work happens in between. Learning musical skills with a teacher creates the foundation. Practicing music at home helps skills take root.
Parents play a key role in a child’s musical journey. However, busy schedules, a child’s shifting motivation, distractions and more can make practice time feel like an overwhelming battle. The good news is, with the right approach, you can nurture their progress and a genuine love for music. Practicing music at home can actually become a positive and rewarding routine.
In this blog, we answer the top three questions asked by parents:
- When is the best time for my child to practice what they learn in music class?
- How long should my child practice music at home?
- How can I encourage my child to practice music daily?
Best Times For Practicing Music At Home
Daily practice is the best way to learn how to play a musical instrument. Just like anything we do daily, it must be scheduled. Leaving practice to the evening/after school can sometimes lead to a struggle! Kids get tired after a long day at school, and it can be hard to concentrate. We recommend morning practice sessions, just after breakfast. Your kids will be fresh, focused and have better memory retention. Also, their muscles will be less fatigued, improving their posture, technique and hand movements.
Duration for Practicing Music At Home
Consistency in practicing music at home is an essential aspect of musical learning. Reserving 10 to 20 minute blocks in the morning before school is manageable for most kids (and parents)! You can make this longer and divide it into different time blocks for older kids and those at advanced levels. Start with 15 to 20 minutes focusing on technique in the morning. After school, 15 to 20 minutes on each piece they learn should suffice daily. A couple of times a week, shuffle up the tasks by including 15 minutes of sight reading in the roster. Remember, it’s best to do a little bit every day instead of tackling a big chunk the day before class.
Encouraging Children to Practice Music At Home
Motivation is key to keeping your child engaged with and practicing music at home. Bribing, nagging and forcing them to practice will be a non-starter. We recommend including your child in discussions and making decisions about music lessons. If they are beginning, our trial lesson packages allow students to try out different instruments and teachers. Additionally, explaining the importance of committing to practice time upfront will go a long way toward gaining their buy-in.
Some children get nervous when parents hover over them during practice sessions. Additionally, kids can become frustrated as the lessons progress and become more challenging. Offer them the amount of space and privacy they are comfortable with. But always remember to praise their efforts as you walk by, or after they are done.
And finally, signing your child up to perform for an audience can be a huge motivator. We offer ample performance opportunities, including our popular Music and Munchies nights and annual recitals.
The Big Picture
At the end of the day, practicing music at home isn’t just about hitting the right notes. It is also about building consistency, confidence, and joy. It also teaches them essential life skills, such as patience, persistence, and creativity.
By carving out time and space for music, you can help your child develop skills that last a lifetime. Remember, it’s less about perfection and more about progress. As parents, your support turns practice into progress and transforms music into a lifelong gift.