The Secret to Your Child’s Musical Progress (It’s Not in the Lesson)
If you’ve ever wondered why your child seems to improve more at certain times than others, here’s a secret: the real progress doesn’t happen in the lesson. It happens at home.
As a piano teacher, I’ve seen it countless times-one or two hours a week with a teacher is valuable, but it’s not enough to create lasting change. The real growth comes from daily, intentional practice. And while “practice makes perfect” is a nice saying, the truth is… practice only helps if it’s done well.
For many children, especially younger ones, focused practice is hard. Even kids with musician parents don’t always benefit automatically because as every parent knows, children often don’t listen to Mom or Dad the same way they listen to a teacher.
So how do we help kids practice more effectively, especially when they’re still learning to focus? Here are a few strategies that can make practice more productive…and A LOT less stressful.
1. Start with the Music and a Notebook
Before your child begins playing, have them sit down with their music and a notebook. Many teachers write notes directly on the score; if yours doesn’t, ask if you can record the lesson so you can add reminders at home. This reinforces what was taught and helps keep practice on track.
2. Write Down Specific Goals
Go measure by measure, and be clear and detailed. For example:
m. 1 – Slur over four notes. Keep the line connected.
m. 2 – Whole-note f chord: aim for a full, rich sound. Use the weight of the upper arm, keep the wrist loose, shoulders relaxed.
Vague instructions like “make it better” or “fix the dynamics” won’t help. Pinpoint exactly where and how to improve.
3. Practice is Thinking, Not Just Playing
Mindless repetition only reinforces bad habits. It’s okay if part of the practice time is spent writing, thinking, or problem-solving. If the whole piece feels overwhelming, break it into smaller sections and tackle them one at a time.
4. Try Short, Goal-Focused Sessions
For younger students, a 15-minute timer can work wonders. Choose 3–5 specific goals to focus on. At the end, check for improvement. It doesn’t have to be perfect-sometimes progress is small-but something should be better than when they started. And repeat the whole process maybe later in the afternoon.
5. Be Patient. Slow is Fast
Mindful practice may mean learning fewer pieces at first, but the habits built now will make everything faster later. Good habits, clear thinking, and intentional playing are the true shortcuts to musical growth.
If children aren’t taught to practice thoughtfully from a young age, simply getting older won’t fix their habits. But with patience, clear goals, and consistent encouragement, daily practice can become more than a chore-it can be a source of real joy and growth.
What about you?
If you’re a parent, how do you help your child practice more effectively? If you’re a teacher, what strategies have worked best for your students? Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.