| Getting children motivated to do their piano practice | | | | explained to younger children. The child should play the |
| can be daunting. As parents we have our hands full | | | | piece through as best they can and identify the trouble |
| juggling work and home commitments. Our kids too, | | | | spots. They then play those bars over a few times |
| are almost as busy, with many after school activities | | | | carefully and finally play the whole piece again. |
| requiring attention. In this hectic busy schedule we need | | | | 4. Praise and more praise. |
| to motivate ourselves first, in order to be of help to our | | | | We all respond best to praise. The very best |
| kids. | | | | motivator your child can have is your approval. |
| Many of you may find this scenario familiar. | | | | Compliment them on their playing, often. Praise them |
| Your talented youngster recently started piano lessons. | | | | when they sit down to begin. Tell them how much you |
| To begin with their initial enthusiasm meant, that you, | | | | enjoy listening to their pieces. Make a big fuss. |
| shamefully sometimes asked them to please 'stop' | | | | 5. Provide an audience. |
| playing the same piece over and over again! | | | | When you can, give your child the chance to perform |
| Now however, things have changed and you need to | | | | for you and other family members. Take older siblings |
| devise a way of motivating them to get some practice | | | | into your confidence (they'll love it) and explain the |
| done. | | | | need for positive feedback! By giving your 'Mozart' the |
| What should you do? | | | | chance to show off their skills, they not only feel |
| Here are some tips to bring back the fun to piano | | | | special, but will want to practice in order to give a good |
| practice. It does require a little effort on your part, but it | | | | performance. |
| will soon become much easier. | | | | 6. Liaise with their teacher. |
| Piano practice action plan. | | | | Chat to their piano teacher often to get a feel for their |
| 1. Set a daily practice opportunity time slot. | | | | expectations and requirements. It allows you both to |
| Work out with your youngster a time in the day for | | | | work together to achieve the best for your child. |
| practice. It needs to be the same time every day. | | | | 7. Rewards. |
| Frame it as their 'opportunity' to practice rather than it | | | | Some children respond to rewards and incentives. |
| being a chore. The idea is to establish a practice habit. | | | | These can be useful. The most effective are ones |
| You want them to be self motivated so they don't | | | | which relate to the piano or music in some form. (For |
| need constant reminding. | | | | instance the promise of a visit to the local music shop |
| 2. Focus on quality not quantity. | | | | to buy some music of their choice.) |
| Explain that there is no set amount of time that must | | | | Playing the piano is a skill which can bring you and your |
| be completed. Together you want to find the quickest | | | | child lasting pleasure and enjoyment. It is meant to be |
| way to practice well. A short time of meaningful | | | | fun. It is meant to be joyful. Motivate them by |
| practice is what works best. You will find that by | | | | encouraging their natural playfulness, in making up |
| removing time limits your child will begin to practice | | | | tunes and experimenting with sounds and harmonies. |
| more, not less. | | | | Continually offer your support and words of |
| 3. How to practice. | | | | encouragement. Our modern kids want to play modern |
| Your child needs to know how to practice, a strategy, | | | | music. Being able to play the latest pop tune to their |
| a simple method. Here is one that works and is easily | | | | classmates may prove to be the best motivator of all! |