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Get your kids to practice the piano
“Have you practiced the piano yet today?” is an all too familiar phrase with
“no” being the all too familiar answer. In many families, trying to get a child
to practice is enough to get parents to throw their hands up in despair. Many
parents give up, unable to ever master getting a child to practice daily. Children
in most families grow up thinking of practicing as either boring or as punishment.
With some ingenuity and enthusiasm, routine practicing cannot only become fun
but rewarding for a child.
For all of you frustrated parents out there, let me promise you that their does
come a time when the child is able to play well enough, that he will play, (and
practice) for his own enjoyment. Until that blessed day, let me give you some
tips that you can try to help your child enjoy practicing.
First of all, praise your child. Every child wants to feel like he is doing something
that is appreciated by someone else. Instead of nagging about how long the child
hasn’t practiced or how he hasn’t played a song very well, look for something
to compliment your child. It may be praise for sitting up tall at the piano. All
children of any age love praise. When you hear a positive melody, let them know.
When you think that they have mastered a song with any degree of finesse, tell
them. Give them the message that you are glad that they are trying. Give them
the message that they are doing a good job. Praise them whenever you hear a piece
that actually sounds the way that it should. Praising instead of criticism is
a good place to start.
Another excellent tip for getting your child to practice is actually sitting and
listening to them play. Sometimes this can take extra patience, especially when
your child is beginning. Stopping what you are doing and giving your full attention
to the budding pianist will do wonders for a child’s self-esteem. You will find
it an excellent opportunity to express praise. Listening with a positive attitude
and look on your face with inspire your young pianist.
Sticker charts work wonders with young students and sometimes students of any
age. Children love recognition so put the chart where it can be seen by anyone
coming into your house. The chart can be as simple as a paper with the heading
“Piano Practice Chart” with the child’s name included. There are many ways to
use practicing charts. Most children will get tired of one chart after a few months
and you will need to start another one. A favorite idea for a practice chart is
to let the child put one sticker for each time he practices a song. This gives
positive reinforcement quickly. Let them keep a piece of paper and a pencil handy
during each practice and make marks or X’s of how many times songs are practiced
count them at the end of the practice. At the end of each practice the child gets
to put the stickers on the chart. Choose an amount, such as 100 pieces played.
When the child reaches that many stickers, let him turn the chart in for a special
treat. Candy bars work great but if sweets are a no-no at your house, choose something
that they want.
A treasure box is a fun idea to get a child to practice. Set either a time limit
or the number of pieces to be played. Have a small notebook for the child to mark
his achievements. When he has reached the goal that you have mutually set, let
him choose something from the treasure chest. School supplies such as fun pens
and pencils work well in the treasure chest.
Working with the teacher is another excellent way to boost practicing time. The
sticker chart or treasure box can easily be adapted for incentives for passing
off songs or having a good lesson. Just decide with the teacher what the goal
should be and then use the charts or treasures to reward.
One last tip for getting your child to practice. Help him have positive experiences
playing for others. When you know that he has mastered a song, invite a family
member or friend over and have the child play it for them. Brag a little in front
of your child. Hold recitals whenever your child has mastered enough songs to
make it entertaining. Good luck! Piano practicing really can be fun!
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