How to Motivate a Child to Practice Their Instrument: Expert Tips for Unlocking Your Child's Musical Potential

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Should I force my child to learn an instrument?

You may have enjoyed playing piano as a kid but that doesn't mean your child will enjoy playing it just as much as you did. If you are considering getting your child involved in music lessons, it is important to allow them to make that choice and choose an instrument if it is something they would like to explore. 

Every child will have different interests, but finding those interests may require some flexibility on the parents part. Some children will not be intrinsically motivated to learn an instrument if they don't find it very interesting to begin with. 

In addition, it is important to treat music differently than let's say, math. You shouldn't use music as a forced discipline like math homework, because unfortunately they will find practice as a tedious chore, rather than a fun activity. Music lessons should excite the child, not create a burden on their schedule and everyday life. 

How to motivate child to practice music

When you are trying to motivate your child to practice their instrument, there are a few tips and tricks that you should keep in mind. First off, it is crucial to make music lessons enjoyable for your child, rather than feeling like a chore. 

In addition, consider allowing your child to pick the instrument they want to learn, create a practice schedule, plan performances, celebrate accomplishments, and help them understand their talents.

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Make a Practice Schedule

When deciding on a practice schedule, parents can help their child research how often a good musician practices. With this number in mind, you and your child can set up a weekly routine that is based on the fact that in order for one to become a good musician, one must practice. 

Allowing your child to set a schedule for practicing their instrument will give them a sense of control. It will also reinforce the notion that practice is important for achieving goals and accomplishing a challenge.

Make Music Lessons Enjoyable

Learning a new instrument should be fun for your child! It is important to incorporate games, challenges, and goals to make practice time more fun and enjoyable.

For instance, consider working with your child to create specific goals and challenges for them to work towards. When parents engage in and show an interest in their child's accomplishments, they are nurturing and positively reinforcing a child's desire to to practice music and learn a musical instrument. 

It can also be effective to ask your child's music teacher for some strategies to make music lessons more fun.

Allow them to Pick the Music

Many children have a favorite or familiar song that they love to sing along to. While there are classic songs that most children will learn on an instrument, allowing your child to play songs they like and are familiar with will also help build a genuine interest in their practice routine.

Consider this motivational strategy: As part of your child's weekly practice schedule, allow them to choose one favorite song to play for you.

Learning Music at School

When taking music lessons at school, you allow your child to try as many different instruments as possible. 

From piano, to guitar, to the drums, you are exposing your child to new musical skills which can help them build a wonderful foundation in music.

Encourage and Plan For Performances to Play Music

Keeping your unmotivated child engaged with their music lessons can be a challenge, especially when they are questioning what it is they are working towards. 

With that said, to keep your child interested and excited about their music education, sign your child up for scheduled performances throughout the year, such as through school or church.

As a parent, it is important to show up for your child and attend concerts, rehearsals, and performances to show them that you are just as excited and involved in their music education as they are.

Celebrate Accomplishments

Being your child's biggest fan is an important aspect of motivating your child to practice their instrument and perform in front of others. Create ways in which you as a family can celebrate achievements. 

Verbal praise is a helpful reinforcer, but it shouldn't be the only way to celebrate victories along your child's musical journey.

Consider these rewards: going out to a family dinner after a performance, having a movie night with your child where they get to choose the movie, make your child's favorite meal, or get them a small gift for accomplishing a goal.

Don't Make Practice an Obligation

Practice time shouldn't feel like an obligation that your child has to get through. It should be reframed in a way that shows the child playing an instrument is a "special privilege." 

Additionally, you can help motivate your child to practice music by allowing them to engage in another fun activity once they have finished practicing, such as watching tv or playing video games.

When setting up a routine for your child to practice their instrument, it is important to involve your child in creating their own practice schedule. Giving your child control will help motivate your child to play his or her instrument at a time that works best for them. For instance, if your child has more energy at night than in the morning, consider making practice time after dinner rather than early in the morning.

In addition, make sure to set clear challenges and an expected amount of time for your child to practice each week, whether it is three to four hours, or five to ten minutes, make sure your child knows what goals they are working towards when playing music. Consistency is key!

Even if your child is only willing to commit to 20 minutes twice each week, this time commitment is frequent enough to help your child develop muscle memory through their music. 

Try this exercise: for each practice session, set a reasonable goal for your child to reach. For example, to motivate your child to play piano, try playing a few notes on the piano without making a mistake or challenging them to gradually speed up their tempo when playing the guitar.

Find a Teacher that Connects with Them

It is important to find a teacher that connects well with your child. If your child does not connect with their music teacher, they can easily lose interest in practicing music. Finding the right teacher is essential for young kids to develop a love for music and learning.

Teachers are known to cultivate and nurture a child's innate talent in music. Finding the right teacher may take time. A teacher who spends the time to understand your child's learning style will go a long way in your child's willingness to practice consistently and on their own at home.

According to Music Central, "finding the right teacher will make or break the whole experience. Don't be afraid to try a new teacher if your child isn't connecting. The best teachers are usually the ones who not only teach, but know how to be a good friend and mentor to your child."

Help Them Understand Their Talents and Engage with Music

Consider letting your child know that you are their biggest fan and that you enjoy listening to them play music and practice their instrument. This is crucial for encouraging your child when they feel frustrated and anxious about their musical abilities, or if they had a rough day at their music lessons. 

Letting your child know that you are there to support them will only help them become the budding musician they potentially aspire to be.

Your child is significantly more likely to practice music if they feel a sense of connection to the process. Many parents who are involved in the child's music practice are able to increase their child's motivation and interest in learning music. 

Takeaway

Learning an instrument is full of highs, lows, and plateaus, and it definitely doesn't come without its challenges. If your child recently started learning a new instrument, it is important to be patient, encouraging, and flexible as you embark on your child's musical journey!

Motivating your child to practice their instrument can be a difficult feat and oftentimes, a parent's encouragement isn't going to be helpful if your child isn't intrinsically motivated to play. However, like mentioned previously, there are a few strategies that you can engage in to help build your child's interest and make practice more fun for everyone involved.