Now that we’re in the depths of summer, are you finding it’s harder to keep up (or help your kids keep up) that daily practice habit? It’s hot outside, and the pool is calling (or the mountains or the beach or your son’s best friend). Kids firmly believe summer = complete freedom—kick off the school shoes and play all day!
This is a great time for smart practice. It only takes a few minutes a day, if you spend that time wisely. So what are the ingredients of smart practice?
- ZOOM IN: Don’t just keep playing the entire song over and over. Pick one small task to repeat several times. For example:
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- a short passage with tricky fingering
- the movement from one chord to another
- one important left-hand pattern
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- STEP AWAY: You can accomplish a lot away from the keyboard, and the change of scenery keeps you alert.
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- tap the rhythm in your lap
- listen to a recording of your song
- try a segment of “air piano” or “tabletop piano”—fresh training for your fingers & brain, where they can’t rely on the geography of black and white keys
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- TAKE A BREAK: Between tasks, give your mind and body a rest.
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- get a drink of water
- play a song just for fun
- take a deep breath
- for active kids—run a couple laps through the house!
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- GO SLOW TO LEARN FAST: Every time you add a new skill to a song, like playing hand together, slow down. It’s OK for piano practice to not sound like a performance. In fact, that’s perfect! It may not even sound like the song at all. Your job is to teach your body what to do. Slowing down will help you avoid learning (and then having to unlearn) mistakes. Muscle memory sets in early—so teach your body carefully the first time and every time.
- KEEP IT BRIEF: Shorter practices are more effective, with 20 minutes a day being plenty for most people. If your busy 9-year-old is having trouble staying focused, try 10 minutes in the morning and 10 more at night.
- EXPRESS YOURSELF: Music is your friend! Start and end every practice either with a song you really love or with a short improvisation.
Just Create! 
I love the advice to keep it short! One of my kids tends to be a perfectionist and his practices run long but then he’s intimidated by stepping up to the piano because he knows it will take a lot of time. It’s important for me to remind him that it’s ok not to master a song the first time he plays it or every practice but to give himself permission to make small but consistent steps toward mastery.
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RoseAnne, it’s a pleasure to work with a mom who really knows music, because you fully appreciate everything that Simply Music offers. You’re a great support for your kids!
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One of my children has been taking lessons from this studio for nearly 4 years. I have another that has been with this program for 2. Cheri is an awesome teacher and extremely professional. The simplicity in the lessons make difficult piano pieces acheiveable. This is a great program!
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Diane, thanks for your long-term commitment to your kids having music in their lives. I love teaching them!
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Great Advice!! I love, love, love Cheri’s studio! She is awesome & has helped my son develop a great love of music & the piano.
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Shelly, you guys are such a fun addition to the studio, and I think it’s absolutely fantastic that you’re learning right along with your son.
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