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We all know that practice is the key to anyone successfully learning a new skill but sometimes it can be hard to keep children motivated to keep practicing. The best way to keep your child from feeling like playing their instrument is a chore is to make it FUN! Check out these tips and give them a try in your practice schedule.
Find the right time
Some children will benefit from practicing music in the morning over the afternoon while others will prefer to practice in the evening. Find the right time for your family. When is your child most excited to work on their new skill?
Practice in short sessions
While your child should be practicing every day, keeping those sessions short will keep practice from seeming daunting. To help keep your child focused and energetic, break up daily practice into 10-15 min sessions. Here’s a guide to how long your children should practice for their age:
| Child’s Age | Practice Amount |
|---|---|
| 3-4 years | 10 min/day |
| 5-6 years | 15 min/day |
| 7-8 years | 20 min/day |
| 9-10 years | 25 min/day |
| 11-14 years | 30 min/day |
Be encouraging
As a parent, it is up to you to keep practice a positive experience. Make sure to compliment your child often. Even small victories deserve praise to keep your child motivated. Share your child’s success with others to keep them excited about their progress. Even something simple like sharing a video of a new song they learned on Facebook or with a relative will make them feel accomplished.
Get involved
There are a variety of ways you can be involved in your child’s progress. Sometimes practicing in a room alone can make practice feel lonely. Mix it up by keeping your child company while they are practicing. You can also try having them teach you what they’ve learned. Making this a silly interaction can get your child laughing while solidifying the new skill they have learned.
Reward
Come up with a reward system for your child when they achieve their goals. You can try taking them out for ice cream after they finish learning a new song or earning points for small achievements that add up to a larger prize. Having a reward will keep your child motivated to keep practicing and keep progressing.
For more advice about keeping your child motivated to keep learning, ask your Taylor Robinson Music instructor for tips and suggestions.