Get a Child to Practice Music

Music Practice can be one of the biggest issues with children learning an instrument. This article aims to help parents with a few ideas to help children practice and enjoy their music learning.

Steps

 * 1)  Make practice part of the daily routine. If children make music part of what they do every single day then it will become habit.
 * 2)  Try practice in the mornings before school. Many households have the television on when the children wake up, and children have a habit of watching cartoons. Couldn't we establish a habit of children practicing their instrument instead? 15-30 minutes before school shouldn't be too hard to find, and the child will be fresh and ready for learning at this time
 * 3)  Aim for intrinsic motivation first. Get the children to love the music by talking about it with them, listening to similar music on the radio and generally taking a real interest in what they are playing. If you have a genuine interest in it then they will want to play it to please you, which can be excellent motivation
 * 4)  Use a variety of practice charts and Stickers. Practice charts do work, but do need to be rotated regularly, so that the child does not get bored and just go through the motions for the sticker. These are extrinsic motivation tools, and should be used sparingly, but they definitely can assist.

Tips

 * Talk to your child's music teacher. Make sure that you are clear on the teachers expectations for practice
 * Talk to other parents and find out what works for them.
 * Communicate with your child.
 * Have enthusiasm and passion for music - If you love it then your child will also love it.

Sources and Citations

 * Music Practice Charts Strategies for Getting Children to Practice