.jpg)
Practice Piano Effectively with young children
- Rebecca Yew
- Jan 31
- 2 min read
Recently I have received some parents' questions on how to help their children practice or their children are not practicing nor showing interests as before. Please don't panic. In this topic, our focus is for young beginners around age 5 to 10.
When students came to their first lessons, most of them show extreme interests, some even don't want to leave. They are progressing well and the practicing is enjoyable at home. After a year, or even a few months, you may see the passion is going down. There could be various reasons: Due to the difficulties, due to the lack of encouragement from parents or due to not much "new" material etc, students may show not as interested and start to find something that is more interesting.
Parents play a big role here. Some parents will feel if the child is lack of interests, then move onto something else. Please keep in mind that when learning anything, especially a musical instrument, there is a learning curve. If parents quit too early, they will most likely not going to try again and label themselves "I am not good at it". To be honest, most of the time, it is the parents who quit, not the young child. I have a parent who learnt piano when she was young. She told me her parents quitted her too early, she is regretted now that she can't really play and she doesn't want the same happen to her child.
Practicing the piano effectively is all about consistency, focus, and a structured approach. Practicing piano for young beginners can be a fun and rewarding experience with the right approach.
1. Short and Frequent Sessions
Young children have shorter attention spans, so keep practice sessions short (10-15 minutes) but frequent. Multiple short sessions throughout the day can be more effective than one long session.
2. Establish a Routine
Set a regular practice schedule to build a habit. Consistency is key to progress, so try to practice at the same time each day. Even if it can't be at the same time, having a schedule, preferably printed ones, so that they know what to expect (I posted my kids' schedule on their wall).
3. Break It Down
Divide pieces into small, manageable sections. Focus on one section at a time and gradually put them together. This approach makes learning less overwhelming.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivates them to keep practicing.
5. Be Patient and Supportive
Learning an instrument takes time and effort. Be patient and provide support and encouragement. Celebrate their progress and make practice a positive experience. For example, make a Friday a celebrate night, have the little one plays what she/he achieved that week and give applause.
6. Involve Parents
Parents can play a crucial role in a child's musical journey. Encourage parents to be involved in practice sessions, provide support, and create a positive learning environment at home. Parents do not need to know music, just sit down and listen without much comments will help. Sometimes too much judgement will make the child overwhelmed and discourage the willingness to practice in front of others.
Happy practicing! 🎹
댓글