This post is directed at helping parents to consider how to encourage mindful practice while making the process enjoyable and worthwhile. Look out for further posts on how to practise effectively at other levels and in specific circumstances.
How Often Should My Child Practise Their Instrument?
This is one of the first questions I answer (whether or not it is asked) before a new student attends lessons with me as many people are unsure about how much time and effort it takes to make improvements on their instrument.
My answer to that question often begins with the fact that the most progress is made by those that spend quality time practising at home between lessons. If the only time you play your instrument is during your lesson, then you will have trouble making progress at all; you will have trouble remembering what you learnt during your lesson and will return a week later having to relearn what you forgot. Furthermore, you will no doubt be set tasks to complete for the next lesson such as practising some exercises and learning new pieces. This will not be possible without a certain amount of practise.
What has been proven over many years by musicians the world over, is that in order to progress as a player, regular intentional practise is essential.
Should My Child Practise Every Day?
I believe that regular, small amounts of regular practice is much more beneficial than one huge session at the weekend. When you practise, you develop the physical memory of making certain sounds (muscle memory). This is how the movements become fluent and comfortable; you do not have to concentrate on every little thing like you did when you first played it.
Essentially, when you repetitively practise a movement, you are changing the way your brain reacts to these movements resulting in quicker, repeated motions. You’re actually expanding your brainpower! Muscle memory can stay with you for a very long time. Just like running or walking, or riding the proverbial bike, the movements become innate and you no longer have to concentrate, you just do!
A beginner doesn't need to do a lot of practice. It’s consistency that is important. I suggest they practise a minimum of four days a week for 10 to 15 minutes a day. These days can be spread however suits. They don’t need to happen all in a row. It helps to figure out the best time for you to fit your practice into a regular schedule.
Don’t Make Practice A Waste Of Time
Not all practice is equal. If you don’t practise correctly, it can be a complete waste of time. Unless your goal is to have fun without making any progress, there is no point in sitting down to ‘practice’ something you are already proficient at for 10 to 15 minutes.
Or if you are learning a piece but don’t stop and work methodically on the hard parts, choosing to run through the ‘easy’ bits because they sound nice. Yes we know you do it and we’ve been there too! 😆
Be methodical. Are you going too fast? Do you need use the metronome? Is the balance/pitch/tone as perfect as it could be? These are just a few basic questions to start with.
My Child Won’t Practise…
Some children, even those who love their lessons and run in with joy, refuse to practice and their parents seek advice. My interest in why children do or don't practice results in many interesting explanations, many I cannot rightly share here, but “I didn’t have time” seems to crop up a lot, considering many of those telling me this are school aged children with as many hours in the day as you or I. Even between parties, extra-curricular activities, weekends away, anyone who wanted to could find 15 minutes a few times a week to play their instrument. If not, I would question their desire to really learn
Making practice a routine part of a child’s day makes it less of a chore. And the praise they receive in their lesson and the progress they make will be reward enough.
Where Should My Child Practice?
A young child can feel isolated when practising alone and it is hard to know if they are doing exactly what they should be. Young children also like to share their progress with you; it's a chance to share their growing skills and understanding with you. Just being near your child means you are able to make encouraging noises from time to time. Being pestered by siblings is a common irritant though.
You might be a musician yourself so they share quality time could be spent playing duets or giving helo. But, for her individual practice time, some children prefer to be on their own so they can concentrate better.
Some teenagers (and many adults) dislike being listened to when they practise and prefer to practise in private. Interruptions can be distracting and annoying.
Make Instruments Easy Access
If your child plays a portable instrument eg: guitar or wind instrument, make it easy for them to access on the spur of the moment by finding a safe space to leave it out, rather than having to get the case off a cupboard or high shelf where it will get forgotten.
I have heard of keyboards being put on top of wardrobes where they remain unplayed as the child can’t reach it.
The Importance Of Practising
Make sure your children know that you value music as highly as other subjects they are learning. The psychological, social and wider educational benefits of music are massive (and well-researched). It is just as important as sports and other extracurricular activities, as long as there is a healthy balance of course.
When I set challenges and tasks for my students to work on I consider it to be treated in the same way any other homework would be. Sounds serious but it truly pays off. And at the end of the day, do you really want to be paying for lessons if the child is making little progress?
Practice Or Play?
Motivation to practice is a deep subject . If the sheer joy of making music is not enough, then pleasure initially gained from pleasant associations and parental approval can gradually develop into motivation. At this point the child may become truly self-motivated to learn and improve.
A playful approach to teaching and practising can help to build a love of learning music ,of devoting time to it and of enjoying the challenges that arise.
Word associations are powerful too - how much more tempting and enjoyable it sounds to a little child if, instead of talking about her 'practice', we begin by talking about her 'playing'.
Comments