Things that will help with practice:
- A dedicated practice space or somewhere easy to set up to play.
- A music stand: Important for good posture and practicing for when you’re in a band situation and need to watch a conductor
- Metronome: Essential to good practice habits for staying in time and working on feeling a beat. A really good resource for this is www.8notes.com/metronome, not only can you use it as a traditional metronome but there are different drum beats to choose from also. There are plenty of free apps that work also.
Tips and tricks to help encourage practice at home:
One of the best parts of my job is seeing students light up when they realise how much progress they’ve made. On the flip side, one of the biggest challenges (for both kids and parents) is building consistent practice habits at home.
The truth is, kids often need a little support to make practice stick—and that’s where you as a parent can make a huge difference. You don’t need to know how to play an instrument yourself. Simply showing interest, encouraging effort, and creating a positive environment at home can go a long way.
Here are some tips I often share with families to help practice feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable routine.
Practice tips I recommend to parents:
1. Set a routine
I’ve found short, regular practice sessions are far more effective than cramming it in once a week. Linking practice to an existing routine, like after homework or before dinner, makes it easier to stick with.
2. Create a practice space
Students are much more likely to practice when everything is ready to go. A quiet, well-lit spot with the instrument, music stand, and books in one place makes all the difference.
3. Encourage consistency over perfection
I always remind my students that practice is about progress, not perfection. As a parent, celebrating the effort your child puts in (even on the tricky days) helps them build confidence.
4. Be a cheerleader
Students love it when their parents take an interest. Even just sitting and listening once in a while, or asking your child to “teach you” a rhythm, shows them that what they’re doing matters.
5. Break it into parts
Encourage your child to warm up, work on one tricky section, then end with something they enjoy playing. This keeps practice balanced and prevents frustration.
6. Use positive language
Simple changes in wording can go a long way. Instead of “That sounded wrong,” try, “That part is really improving—want to give it another go?”
7. Show genuine interest
Ask questions like, “What was the hardest part today?” or “Can you play me your favorite piece?” Kids practice more willingly when they feel their effort is noticed.
8. Make it social
I’ve seen students really light up when they get to play for family members. A short “mini concert” for siblings, grandparents, or even a pet makes practice more meaningful.
Another way to keep it social is by inviting a friend from band to come over so that they can practice/play together.
9. Model commitment
Even if you don’t play an instrument, clapping along to the beat, keeping time, or learning a single note yourself shows your child that music is something worth investing in.
10. Celebrate progress
Small celebrations go a long way. Whether it’s a high-five, a “well done,” or marking milestones like finishing a piece, these moments remind kids that their hard work is paying off.
Making Practice Fun: Rewards That Work
Even my most enthusiastic students sometimes go through phases where practice feels like a drag. That’s completely normal. What helps is when parents introduce little rewards to keep things fun. Think of it less as bribery and more as creating encouragement for consistency.
Here are some systems I’ve seen work really well:
1. Sticker chart or practice tracker
A simple chart where your child adds a sticker each day they practice. Once the chart is full, they earn a small reward like choosing a family movie over the weekend or a special treat.
2. Mini-concerts with prizes
Kids love performing at home. At the end of the week, let them put on a little “concert.” The prize might be choosing dessert or receiving a fun homemade certificate.
3. Practice Jar
Each practice session adds a marble, coin, or pom-pom to a jar. When it’s full, your child earns a bigger reward that they’re working towards.
4. Choice based rewards
Let your child feel in control by giving them options: “Would you like 10 extra minutes of bedtime story, or to choose what’s for dinner Friday?”
5. Gamify practice
Turn practice into “levels,” just like a video game:
Level 1 = warm-up
Level 2 = tricky section three times
Level 3 = play through the piece Finishing all levels earns them “practice points” or a small daily reward.
6. Screen time swap
For many students, this works wonders: 15 minutes of practice = 5–10 minutes of screen time.
7. Weekly reward box
Keep a little box with small prizes (stickers, pencils, treats). If your child practices every day for a week, they get to pick one.
8. Music money or tokens
Each practice earns a “music dollar.” These can be saved up and traded in for bigger rewards.
9. Social rewards
Record a short video of your child’s progress to share with grandparents or friends. Kids love the encouragement they get from others outside the home.
Final Thoughts:
The most important factor in a student’s progress is simply regular playing. The more often the instrument is in their hands, the more natural and enjoyable it becomes.
– For beginners, a good goal is 3–4 sessions a week of around 10–15 minutes.
– As students move into high school, this should increase to 3–4 sessions of 20–30 minutes.
– For senior students preparing for their HSC, daily practice of 30–60 minutes is ideal.
With steady, consistent effort, skills grow quickly—and music becomes something students look forward to rather than something they have to do.