HOW CAN I ENCOURAGE MY CHILD TO PRACTICE MUSIC?

The best thing you can do to help your child practice is to make it fun. 

If you are having fights over practice at home, it is likely because they are finding it challenging or finding it feels like a punishment (like being sent to their room!). Importantly it is rarely because they “don’t like music”, as you know kids will use every excuse to get out of things, even if they like it.

You likely have a bunch of tricks for getting challenging things happening for your kids already, think about how you get them to brush their teeth, eat their veggies, go to bed on time etc. Apply that to practice and you will see it go really well. Here are some tricks and tips:

1. Choose songs from movies/shows/games they like and get them to play them, easy versions of songs are available through your teacher or online.
2. Gamefy practice and set rewards for consistent practice sessions, eg. daily practice for a full week gets them an ice cream or something like that.
3. Short and sharp practices are easier and more fun, commit to 10-15 mins each time rather than a long session. The time will grow as they get better.
4. Sit with them. Stay with your child as they practice, express praise and congratulate effort and results.
5. Encourage them deeply and push them to work hard. They need you in the early days before they find their own internal motivation.

We’re here to help any struggling students and families out there on this and any aspect of the musician's journey, so please do write/call if you would like too.