Tip #14

In the past weeks, we shared tips on setting the right expectations (TIP#1), asking the right questions (TIP#2), how to be involved in the first practice (TIP #3), avoiding the words ‘hard and easy’ (TIP#4), accepting negative feelings as part of your musical growth (TIP#5), rethinking the meaning of ‘talent’ (TIP#6), considering practice a skill (TIP #7), recognizing the effects of our expectations on our children (TIP #8), creating a goal to have a practice routine (TIP# 9) and a practice structure (TIP #10), finding the right daily practice length (TIP $11), recital preparation (TIP #12) and being a good role-model for our children (TIP #13).

Once you create a practice routine (TIP #9), a practice structure (TIP #10) and determine the right daily practice length (TIP #13), it is time to create a welcoming, inviting and comfortable practice environment.

Have the piano/keyboard somewhere visible

Many times students mention that they forget to practice. One of the reasons is that their instrument is in a separate room or in the basement. When piano students pass their instrument multiple times a day, they are more likely to remember and want to practice. Along with that, feeling shut-off and sent-away from the family to practice might lead to reluctance and dislike of spending time with piano as it might seem similar to ’time-out’.

Keep distractions away during practice time

Practice requires focus and focus requires the absence of distractions. It is important to turn off the phone, TV, computer, dishwasher, washing machine etc, have siblings busy with other activities in other rooms and wait to have any unrelated conversations until after the practice is over.

Purchase an adjustable bench with a soft top, find the correct position and height for the bench and support the feet with a stool if students' feet are not reaching the floor

Having a wrong posture, sitting on an unadjusted bench and having unsupported feet are invitations for getting tired quickly and eventually getting injured.

Here is a link for a video explaining how to have a good posture while playing the piano

Here is an example of an adjustable bench

Keep music, assignment and note books ready on the piano along with a metronome (we will discuss how to use a metronome in the upcoming weeks)

For beginner students, the practice time is measured with minutes most of the time. Therefore we would not want to spend 15 minutes of the 20 minutes trying to find music books, pencils etc or trying read our teachers’ handwriting.

Make sure everything is ready to go and if you are having trouble reading your teacher's handwriting during home practice, feel free to kindly mention it to your teacher

Make sure the room is warm and there is enough light to see the music

Sometimes we cannot put our finger on what is uncomfortable and it might be as simple as the temperature and light of the room.

Keep water close by but wait to have snacks until after the practice

Having a sip a water once in a while while practicing will help the longevity of the practice.

Consider decoration that you/your children will like and help them get motivated

This decoration maybe a beautiful picture of flowers, a composer or an inspirational quote as well as the favorite toys of the young pianist

Get some fresh air

When we decide to practice more than 20 minutes, it is important to take short breaks with 'quite' time rather than involving ourselves in another activity. Getting some fresh air is the best way to give our minds a break!

Ask if you could join them to listen (before the practice)

Having a chair or a couch close by for family to sit and listen quietly once in a while would be a nice touch for motivation and encouragement

Leaving a nice post-it note of encouragement would go long way to motivate them as well!

May you know you are making a difference, even if your child never tells you themselves.

We would be more than happy to answer any questions and provide more specific consultancy if needed.

Thank you for being a part of the PianoAlpharetta community!