December 2019 - Consistency is Key
Whatever you do on a regular basis, you will be successful at it.
Think about the weight of that statement for a second.
Here’s another one: if you want your child to enjoy an activity, whatever that activity is, they will probably need to have some degree of success at it.
That’s where consistent daily practice comes into play. Making time and space for kids to practice piano every day, or most days, speaks volumes for their level of success at the instrument, and subsequently their enjoyment.
I think about these things a lot, as I watch my little ones grow into not-so-little ones. If piano playing isn’t fun, we’re going to have a hard time convincing them that it’s something they need to do long-term. Subsequently, it’s our task as the parent and the adult (and in my case, as teacher) to make it fun.
Make a list with your child about all of the things they like about playing the piano. They might resist at first, but you’ll come up with quite a few by the time you’re done. Some suggestions to get you started:
other people love hearing pieces they know
it’s fun to learn a new skill
grandparents/aunts/uncles/friends are always overjoyed to hear them play the piano
it feels good to accomplish a goal (e.g. memorizing a piece)
playing music is soothing/relaxing
recitals are fun and there are cookies afterwards
Be creative!
Then make a plan together about how and when your child can practice every day. “Practice every day that you eat” is my go-to mantra. If there are other caregivers in your child’s life, involve them in the plan and ask them to be involved. They don’t have to know anything about music - and honestly, you don’t either! Just be a supportive presence. And please don’t expect a 5 or 6-year-old child to know how to practice alone. They need guidance and at least a warm body in the room telling them they’re on the right track, even if they’re not. No worries, I’ll fix it at their next lesson.
Add lots of stickers and hugs and you’ll be good to go.