Tip #9

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) and recognizing the effects of our expectations on our children (TIP #8).

As adults, we might find routines too predictable and tiresome, however, children thrive on repetition and routine. Knowing what is going to happen allows them to think more independently and feel safe. Considering the positive effects of having a routine, we should encourage our children to follow a practice schedule for their music education.

How to create an effective practice schedule:

• Observe your children 1-2 weeks to see their energy and focus levels at different times of the day
• Discuss with your children possible daily practice times and listen/value their opinions even if they seem unreasonable at times. These are the moments they learn how to compromise as well
• Come up with a written schedule where everybody can see. It does not have to be the same time everyday.
• Give advance notice with encouragement instead of a warning. Ex. “I cannot wait to hear your new song in 10 minutes”; “Let me know if I can help with your practice at 3pm”; “It is great that you’ll be able to practice before grandma comes at 3pm and play for her”.
• Consider other gadgets for the advance notice (phone alarm, Alexa, Google home, etc.) so you do not have to be the one giving the news
• Be prepared for some resistance especially at the beginning of setting up the routine
• Offer to help/participate more than usual (refer to Tip $2 on how to be involved in the first practice)
• Allow children time to get used to the routine and start becoming more productive
• Let them see your calm and confident commitment and acceptance
• Allow transition time between activities. While some children move from one activity to another, others might need a significant time for transition
• Set times for other music related activities as well as practice: a weekly concert, family music listening, family YouTube watching, etc.
• Don’t worry and especially don’t let them see your worry if they skip a day or two from the practice schedule. Kindly remind them that as long as they get back on track, skipping would be ok.

Practice time suggestions:

• Many children wake up early enough that they can practice for 15-20 minutes before school.
• We should focus on the frequency of practice rather than the length.
• As piano practice takes usually less time than school homework, we recommend that children practice before their school homework as they get mentally too tired to proceed with piano practice after homework.
• Most of the time, children practice in between meal times. It is important for them to check in with themselves if they would like water or snack before the practice as a full stomach helps them deal with frustration with a more positive outlook.
• It is important that practice happens at a time that there are no other distractions (tv, phone calls, other music, others conversing, etc).
• We recommend younger siblings are given the same activity every time when the older sibling practices the piano as they both get used to a routine.
• One minute is better than nothing. If a child misses a practice time, ask them to make up a song on the piano for a minute later in the day.
• Avoid the time immediately after school. Children are asked to be in certain ways at school for many hours and the time right after school, they need space to experience emotional and physical freedom. Therefore, this is not the best time to practice.

Next week, we are going to talk about determining the length of practice and having a plan for the month, week and daily practice.

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!