Active, involved practice is what happens the day after you attend class together. This is the day your child needs the most guidance. Practicing music doesn’t have to be a chore! With a little planning and creativity, you can turn practice time into an enjoyable, productive experience for both you and your child.
Tips for Fun and Effective Practice with Your Child
Here are some simple tips to turn practice time into an enjoyable and effective activity that strengthens skills and fosters a love for learning. Let’s explore some ways to make the most out of your practice sessions!
1. Review Soon After Class
The first day after the lesson are the best times to sit down with your child and go over anything new they learned. Repeating concepts right after the lesson helps solidify the material. Even a short 10-15 minute practice can be very effective. During this time, play through any new sections or tricky parts that they didn’t fully grasp in class. It’s much easier to remember things while they’re still fresh in their mind. Say "Remember that new song/part we learned yesterday? Let's go try it!"
2. Start with the Hardest Part
We’ve all been there—sometimes the hardest part of a song seems impossible! But guess what? It’s easier to tackle when your child is well-rested and focused. Begin by practicing the most difficult part first. Starting with the challenge allows your child to feel a sense of accomplishment right away when they conquer it. Afterward, the rest of the piece will seem much easier!
3. Make It Fun with Practice Tracks
Practice tracks are like having a virtual band to play along with. These recordings can make practicing more fun and engaging by giving your child a musical “partner” to follow. Many songs have practice tracks available that match the pace of the song, which can help them stay on rhythm and learn how to play along with others. When your child is ready for more of a challenge, use practice tracks that allow them to focus on a specific section or tempo.
4. Don't Touch Their Hands
It can be tempting to touch their hands, but remind your child what keys to play by gently pressing the tops of keys to be played. Pressing the keys at the top allows them to play more comfortably and avoid developing bad habits that could lead to strain or discomfort. Teaching proper finger technique and hand positioning from the start will set them up for long-term success.
5. Use the Book for Guidance
Sometimes it’s hard for your child to track the Songbook as they occasionally peek at their hands. Be sure to point to the book to help them develop the habit of following the music. This encourages independence, as they’ll eventually develop the ability to keep their gaze on the book. A small reminder of your pointing helps them feel confident and take ownership of their practice.
6. Sing Along
Singing with your child doesn’t just make practice more fun—it also helps reinforce the music. Singing along with the melody helps them develop a better sense of timing, rhythm, and phrasing. Plus, it makes practice time feel less intimidating and more interactive. If your child is shy about singing, start by humming together. Over time, they’ll become more comfortable with the idea of singing along to the music.
Engaging Your Child in Music
Making practice time enjoyable and engaging will help your child develop a love for music and improve their skills. By starting with the hardest parts, using practice tracks, focusing on proper finger technique, offering guidance from the music book, and singing together, you can make practice sessions both fun and productive. With consistent, involved practice, your child will build strong musical foundations and gain confidence in their abilities.
Happy practicing, and enjoy the musical journey together! 🎶
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