Practice Pains: A Teacher’s Perspective on Practice

As I head into my sixteenth year of teaching music, I can confidently say that while helping students learn to enjoy playing their instrument is easy, getting students to develop healthy practice habits is a horse of a different color. I've lost track of how many worried parents have spoken to me about their child's refusal to pick up their instrument at home. What many of these parents don't realize is that practicing is a learned behavior. As human beings, we are not born with the discipline to make ourselves do something on a regular basis that doesn't have immediate gratification. That's why we don't typically see children begging their parents for an extra helping of broccoli with dinner.

One of the greatest benefits of learning to play an instrument is that it helps students to develop this discipline. Much like growing pains, students must go through practice pains before they are independent. Here are some tips to help achieve happy and healthy practice habits:

1. Work it into the schedule - I find that the number one reason students don't practice is that it isn't a scheduled activity. Find a regular time of the day to sit down with your child and practice. Before you know it, it will be as ingrained as sitting down for dinner.

2. Sit in on lessons - Let's be honest, after a few lessons your child may know more about music than you do! That's why it's important for parents to sit in on lessons if able.

3. Coach from home - I'm forever grateful to my mom for helping me practice for basketball growing up. She made sure to help me with my shooting, dribbling, and defensive technique every day after school. While she was never officially my coach, for all intents and purposes, she was my coach at home. When it comes to music, you are your child's teacher at home. Help your child practice their instrument instead of sending them off to do it by themselves. You will typically remember things that the teacher said better than your six-year-old and can help the practice session be much more effective.

4. Reward system - Typically, music is a long-term gratification process. Students have to put in a lot of time and effort to be able to play the songs that inspired them to pick up an instrument in the first place. Creating short term goals with a rewards system in place can help alleviate the frustration that comes with long-term gratification. Some students love sticker charts; others may have their eye on an extra scoop of ice cream for dessert. Find what motivates your child and use it to help them.

5. Stay calm - I will be the first to admit that learning a musical instrument can be frustrating. You have to make many mistakes along the way, which can be especially hard for perfectionists. Some days there may even be tears. Remember in these moments to stay calm! It is okay (and even encouraged sometimes) to walk away from the instrument for an emotional break. This can even be a good opportunity to work on vocalizing emotions in a healthy way.

6. Be patient - Even if you follow these steps, healthy practice habits won't develop overnight. Be patient as you and your child go through this journey together. The benefits in the long run will vastly outweigh the practice pains in the short term.

Much love and happy practicing,

Kate Oliphant