How to Motivate Child to Enjoy Practicing Piano More

Learning piano is an exciting, yet challenging time. If your child recently started participating in piano lessons, they are most likely excited and motivated to learn. However, over time, that motivation can subside. So, how do you keep motivated and eager to learn piano?

This article will explore strategies to motivate your child to engage in their piano lessons and practice independently. These strategies can include creating a routine, incorporating a reward system, setting small goals, and allowing time for fun over practice. Keep reading to learn more!

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How to Motivate Your Child to Enjoy Piano Lessons

As parents, you have probably wished that your child had the self discipline to practice piano without being asked, but if your child is like most kids, they have probably been reminded repeatedly to sit down and practice. 

With different positive reinforcement strategies in place, you can encourage your child to practice piano more regularly, all while making taking piano lessons more fun and enjoyable! 

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Create a routine

Children thrive in a weekly routine because it gives them the structure and predictability they need to learn and grow. Having time set aside each day for practice time or formal piano lessons will keep them motivated and ready to learn new skills and develop their abilities. 

When creating a schedule for daily practice sessions, be sure to let your child decide when they would like to practice piano. For example, if your child is a morning person and wakes up with a lot of energy, encouraging them to practice in the morning before school could be a good time. If your child would rather practice when they get home from school, allow them to make that decision. 

Whichever time you and your child agree on, it is important to stick to the same time each day. This will likely create a habit and show your child what is expected of them, so they are more likely to stay motivated and practice. Consistency is key!

Incorporate a reward system

Over time, a child's motivation is bound to diminish. This is especially true with the world of distractions we constantly have available at our fingertips. 

With that said, consider creating a reward system to motivate your child to play their instrument and keep them engaged in piano practice. These rewards don't necessarily have to be big or tangible, considering children also benefit from words of encouragement, such as praise and affection. 

In addition, consider doing something special with your child when they have reached a large milestone. Something special could include getting an ice cream cone together or seeing a new movie. A small prize to show that you are proud of them will go a long way in positively reinforcing their piano practice. 

Ensure your child knows what to practice

When choosing the right music teacher, consider how your child learns best and what techniques would be helpful to encourage daily practice. A great piano teacher will be able to tell your child "what" and "how" to practice piano.

For instance, when it comes to the "how," piano teachers may teach children a few notes to play on their right hand and then their left hand. In addition, piano teachers should consider allowing time at the end of the practice session for their students to practice playing a few songs they enjoy or already know how to play.

Ensure your child knows how to practice piano

When it comes to "what" piano students should be practicing, it is important for piano teachers to provide specific instructions and clear expectations. Some piano teachers encourage kids to keep a notebook, and within the notebook teachers will provide instructions for what to practice when they are at home. This also creates a line of communication between parents and teachers so the parents are on board with what the student is learning and practicing. 

Lastly, many parents can get caught up in "mandatory" practice time teachers advise to be followed at home, but it is important to keep practicing fun for your child to reduce the risk of burnout.

Set small goals

There's no better feeling than accomplishing a goal you've worked hard towards. Your child is likely to be more motivated to play piano and practice regularly if there are goals in mind.

When setting goals with your child and their music teachers, consider setting up a chart where progress can be tracked. Offer words of encouragement regularly and small rewards to continue motivating your child to learn and you may be surprised with the result!

Weekly concerts or performances

Another strategy for motivating your child to practice piano is to set aside time for weekly concerts and performances, even if their only audience is family. Setting aside time each week for an in-home performance will encourage your child to practice the piano and create familiarity with playing in front of others, especially when it comes time to real performances or participate in a local concert.

Allow time to ‘play’ instead of just practice time

Sometimes practicing the same song over and over again can get boring for children and practice can feel like a drawn out task that never ends. Therefore, allowing your child to pick a song they enjoy playing or spend some time encouraging them to create their own music can put the fun back into playing piano. 

This ultimately takes the stress off of having to learn a new song or play music that is required by the teacher. Giving children more freedom and a time to "play" rather than "practice" can go a long way and potentially create a love for the piano, or any instrument for that matter.

Takeaway 

Learning the piano is a fun and exciting journey for everyone involved. However, it can be full of highs, lows, and challenges along the way for the child, parents, and piano teacher. Motivating your child to practice can seem like a never-ending cycle, but with the mentioned techniques, you are more equipped to help build your child's interest and potentially create a lifelong love for the piano!