How to Encourage Kids to Practice Piano?

How-to Encourage Your Child to Practice the Piano

You know your kid loves the idea of playing the piano. You can still remember the first time he pressed the first keys, and the moment his eyes glowed upon hearing those notes were just priceless.

So you invested in him and paid for his piano classes to learn it the right way. But after a few sessions, you felt something wrong. Yeah, you got it! He stopped practicing.

As a parent, the best thing you can do is help your kid. To do this, you must find out the possible causes why he suddenly won’t touch the keys. You need to find ways on how to encourage kids to practice piano.

What Are 11 Possible Reasons Why Your Kids Won’t Practice Piano?

Not practicing the instrument doesn’t mean that he lost his drive to practice it completely. Sometimes, there are just instances that trigger your kid’s motivation or interest.

1. Your kid may be overwhelmed

   Piano lessons tend to become complicated over time. Sometimes, there are many activities and he’s losing time for other activities as a kid. Little do you know, he might be having anxiety about not meeting set expectations.

2. Issues with the instrument

   A faulty instrument disrupts practice and your kid may not feel like using it. When it needs to tune up, the keys may sound different than what he previously learned.

3. He has no idea what skill to practice

   If you’re not taking notes, you’ll probably get lost too, and you cannot monitor the activities he should practice at home.

4. You are not asking the teacher for updates

   You need to know how your kid is progressing. Ensure communication with the teacher.

5. He has issues with his teacher

   We have no idea at times, but your kid may not like his teacher. Or sometimes the teacher is strong and your kid is sensitive.

6. Or they probably do not get along

   If this is the case, find out how the teacher takes the issue of your kid not participating in his classes. Because if he thinks he has done enough to get your kid to practice piano but is not working, maybe he needs a new teacher.

7. Uncomfortable space to practice

   Sometimes your kid needs a little space to explore. But with locations that are subject to distractions, you’re going to have a problem getting your kid to practice playing the piano. If the room is dull, he’ll probably lose interest.

8. Pressure within the family

   The least your kid needs is negativity. If you’re in a family where everyone plays the piano, everyone should watch their words when your kid is still starting to learn.

9. You don’t get involved with his activities and progress

   Your kid holds on to the appreciation and recognition you show throughout his learning phase. He needs to feel that support because teachers may hold their pride and not show it.

10. Too much explanation than practice

    It’s not cool for kids to listen to long talks. Sometimes they can absorb more wisdom when their fingers are in action.

11. Boredom

    Teachers should find creative ways to poke kids’ interest in practicing the piano. If the teacher is using a beginner’s curriculum but is not suited for a kid’s absorption, chances are, he’ll lose interest.

What Can You Do to Find Out and Address These Issues?

1. Communication is the key

   Give time to talk to your kid. Remember that the issue could be a big deal for him. Do not throw the question right away. Start a normal conversation and control it until he voices out his issues. Once you find out the problem, it’s time to communicate with his teacher and ask him if he’s aware that your kid has problems practicing the piano.

2. Work out with his teacher

   An experienced teacher, especially if he’s handling kids before, knows well these issues. Seek help. Your teacher might even provide advice on how you can practice piano with your kid. If he’s not aware of these problems and doesn’t seem to care, they probably do not fit.

3. Find the right teacher

   When your kid and his teacher are not compatible, don’t hesitate to find another teacher. Your kid is just developing his foundations in music. Find a teacher that will get along well with your kid.

4. Be creative

   Teachers nowadays use interactive apps to play the piano. Kids prefer interactive learning. Make sure your kid is not doing the same thing. Also, do not schedule an hour-long one-time practice for the whole week. Let him touch those keys for about ten or fifteen minutes a day or every other day.

5. A pleasant space to practice

   His environment will set the mood when he practices. Make sure to give him space he can own but not too isolated to feel alone.

6. Your words matter

   In every moment, even with ordinary routines at home, your words will be your kid’s motivation. Always check your tone and remain composed. Praise him for getting better. And when he makes mistakes, let him not dwell on them, but encourage him not to give up and avoid the pressure.

7. Practice with your kid and get involved

   Schedule a parent-kid practice, where you and your kid can teach each other and have fun playing the piano. All it takes is your support to drive him to do his best. However, provide a limit with games since he can jump over the boundaries of playing and practice.

8. Rewards are always effective

   It’s the magic that really works. Especially for what your kid likes to have, set a reward for goals accomplished.

9. Make setting goals a habit

   Practice the habit of setting goals that he can incorporate into his routine. Set a specific goal for some time, so he can learn to formulate them for himself. Use a piano book suited for kids so he can have a guide. And for every goal he achieves, make sure to recognize it.

Instead of pushing him to the piano seat, find ways where his heart would seek music. Along with your guidance, let him discover how he wants to tap those keys.

Conclusion

It could be bothersome when you notice that your kid is not practicing the piano, especially when you have invested so much in this type of education. As a parent, you must prioritize your kid’s welfare. Instead of pushing him to the piano seat, find ways where his heart would seek music. Along with your guidance, let him discover how he wants to tap those keys.

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