How long should my child practice?

One of the most frequently asked questions is “How long should my child practice?” Each child is different but a beginner probably needs from 15 to 25 minutes per day at least five times per week. Just like sports need warming up of muscles to begin a practice, fingers need warming up with finger games or exercises. The keyboard pieces can then be tackled in many different ways. Some songs are short and they can be played through without much difficulty. Other songs may be needed to be broken down by playing one hand at a time or one phrase at a time. There may be just one section that needs extra work. It is important to set a goal for the practice so it does not become frustrating when the song cannot be perfected during the first practice. The list of new songs can be intimidating if trying to learn everything all at once. If your child can play something they were unable to before they started their practice, it was probably a very successful practice. If your child can play all the assigned warm-ups and keyboard pieces at the next lesson then it was an excellent week and you should celebrate the great achievement you and your child shared together.
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We all want our children to do their best and in order to learn to play the piano, it requires the dreaded practicing. The first few weeks seem to go pretty smoothly as the children are excited about learning but as it gets more difficult practice time is not always as easy. Here are a few tips to help make the practice more enjoyable:
Pick the same time each day so that it is part of the daily routine (i.e.: before breakfast, after school)

• If it is difficult to do everything in 1 practice, try 2 shorter practice times
• Break new songs down into smaller parts
• Sing and play
• Play a song as a duet
• Clap some rhythms
• Play with the tin sheet

Mrs. Teresa Moser