Many children find it dreadful and boring to practice the piano after the lesson is over. The executive director and founder of Music Simply Music on Long Island offers parents tips on how to get their children to make a habit of practicing the piano while enjoying it.
Parents should create a positive and supportive learning environment necessary for their children to focus and get motivated by telling them how much you like the song they are playing and by exposing them to great music. Remeber to always encourage progress.
Start With a Positive Piano Lesson
Make sure that your child is ready for their lesson before the lesson begins. This means having all their books out and a pencil ready. If your child is taking lessons in your home, make sure that distractions like the TV, video games, or other siblings are not impacting the lesson.
If your child has a friend over or is playing a video game before her lesson, make sure that activity has ended at least 15 minutes before the piano lesson begins so that the lesson is not interuppting the activity which could just cause resentment on your child’s part toward the lesson.
Hold Mock Recitals and Performances
Encourage your child to play for you and your family! Ask them to play their favorite song just for fun. Don’t feel pressure to offer your criticism, but instead, be your child’s cheerleader and let your teacher be the teacher–that’s why you hire a teacher!
Ask your child to play for family gatherings and holidays. Maybe your teacher can show them how to play “Happy Birthday” so they can play it at each celebration in your home.
Expose Your Child to Music
Similar to how parents with children who play baseball watch baseball games on TV or at a professional ball park together, the same can be done with music. Keep music on in your home and in your car. Ask them to listen to their favorite song on their iPod with you. If your child listens to music on the radio or at a live concert, he will more easily learn the language and want to more readily learn how to play those songs–helping lead to success.
Nick Ambronsino is the founder and director of Music Simply Music, one of Long Island’s largest in-home music education companies. Music Simply Music has been providing piano, guitar, and voice lessons to the Long Island community since 1988.
Also see:
• How Often Should My Child Practice the Piano?
