Motivating a Practice Routine
It’s one thing to have me come in to your home once a week, but we have to get in more practice time than that! So whether you’re trying to instill practice for your own progress, or for your children, some sort of practice routine has to be put in place. Even though everyone’s lives and family schedules are different, using these tips you can get something going for you that works!
I hear a lot of parents asking me how to get their child to practice. And the simple truth is: They practice when I’m there. So, basically if they aren’t capable of staying focused on their own, then help them! While you sit with them, you can make it fun by asking them questions about what they’re doing so they can showcase their skills to you. You can even get them teach you a little something after their practice is done. Or if you play yourself, share some of the songs you know that they don’t. There are a lot of ways you can help your kids find that practice is fun.
Now, maybe the student in your house in actually into practicing. Nudging them along is not necessary, but you want some help making practice more regular. Schedules are about making time. So one way to do this is to attach your practice time to something that you already make time for everyday. For instance, maybe you decide that practice time is always while dinner is being made. Or, maybe in the morning right after brushing your teeth. Shoot, maybe you do two practices a day, one EACH time you brush your teeth. Whatever you do, you understand my point. You are already prioritizing certain basic tasks in your day, so attach practice to one of them if it helps you ensure that it happens.
Some people like to make a little “Concert Night” the evening before the lesson day. Instead of preparing for their lesson, the student is preparing for showing their songs off to their family. Of course, this can be as formal or informal as you want. Maybe it’s just a practice session in front of the family. You could make it really fun by having hot chocolate or ice cream during the performance. It’s all about finding a way to make it work for you and your family.
The bottom line is that every student is different, as is every family. Practice can be something more regimented for people who respond to structure, or something far less scheduled and more of an exercise in impulse. As long as it’s frequent and focused, it’s good. Find what works for you.
Remember, the best practice routine is the one you do!
I appreciate what you are saying and will share your ideas with the kids. Well done, thank you!
Comment by Wendy — October 26, 2009