Music can be a wonderful way to enrich your family life and foster your child's development and wellbeing.  Studies have shown that music has many benefits - having a positive impact socially and academically as well as on mental health and wellbeing. You don't have to have had music lessons yourself to help your children. There may be times when even with our best efforts and intentions, fostering our children’s musical development presents some challenges. 

Why do we need to practice?

The process of learning to play an instrument is no different to learning to read, to speak a new language, or even training to run a 5k! Without practice between lessons, progress will be slow. Practice is crucial because our brains and fingers need repetition so that we can play music with ease and enjoyment. Frequent practice builds muscle memory, allowing muscles to 'remember' the actions they perform repeatedly. If time is limited on some days, focus on practicing the passages that are difficult rather than the bars that are easy. This also helps speed progress.

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Lucy's Practice Tips:

 

1 Set aside a suitable time in the day where there are no distractions. Stick with the same time/routine/room at home if possible. For example, after coming home from school, have a snack, drink and rest. Then start at around 4.30pm. Leave the violin/piano and music out.

 

2 Refer to the practice book and see what has been set for practice. Ask your teacher if you don’t understand something, or need more help. Engage with your child's teacher when you need to.

 

3 Reward practice! - think of incentives - eg if practice has happened for 3 times, on different days in a row give a special treat for your child! (or yourself if you are an adult learning.)

 

4 Try working on the tricky bits first. especially if it is a busy day and there is a lack of time. Ask ‘what is difficult in this piece?’ then focus on practising that bit rather than what you can already play. This is the best way to progress on that piece you have has always wanted to play!

 

5 Parents and Carers - Always be calm and encouraging. Show an interest in what has been achieved during your childs practice, but without judgement. Point out what you thought was good first of all, then give feedback using constructive comments (rather than being negative, which can impede a child's confidence!). Understand that there will be some challenging days - and that's OK.

 

6 You could sometimes encourage your child to play one of their pieces for family after practise.

 

7 Make sure you have all the correct equipment you need for practice music stand (for violin), practice book, music, pencil)

 

8 Length of Practice sessions I recommend for Beginners are 10 - 15mins, 4 - 5 times per week. Ask me for practice times from beyond this level or when preparing for an exam or performance.

 

9 Create a Musical Environment:Listen to music at home or look at videos of great Violinists and Pianists for inspiration! Take your child to live concerts if possible. Nurture their enthusiasm!

 

10 Keep your eye on the goal - whether it's performing to family and friends, playing in a group with other musicians, at a festival, small concert, exam, or to simply learning to play a tune you/they have always wanted to play.

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11 With younger children from age 5 - 7 - supervise their practice sessions. Allow them the freedom to experiment, as "play" significantly contributes to effective learning.

12 Little and often is much better than one big, long session once a week. 

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13 Investigate lack of practice: When practice is lacking, explore the reasons calmly and positively. Even the most accomplished musicians go through difficult practice periods. Accept occasional difficulties: recognize that there will be days when practice is challenging.

14 Helping to support older children & teens, is different to helping younger children. I would refrain from sitting in the whole time on your older children's practice. You can support them at a slight distance by letting them practice independently, while still taking a positive interest such as; asking them what the teacher has set for the week, if you can listen to them play a piece, scales, or giving an encouraging nudge if practise has been lacking.