Practice time

Practice times will vary according to the student and the teacher. Beginning students often have 15 minute practices. Twenty minutes to half an hour is typical for intermediate pupils. Advanced students will usually spend 45 minutes to an hour. Practice does not need to be long to be effective. Too long a time can lead to daydreaming and resentment.

Although a regular practice time is important, there may be some negotiation and flexibility required. The parents’ attitude towards practice will often be reflected in the child’s attitude. It can be frustrating when you have to nag your child to practice, don’t resort to threats: “We spend a fortune on music lessons for you if you don’t practice, we may as well cancel them”. This may run through your mind, but if you stop and think you would never dream of saying, “If you don’t do your homework, we’ll stop sending you to school”. Encouragement will go a lot further than threats!

Here are a few things you can say when your child doesn’t want to practice:

1. It’s the only way you are going to get better.
2. It makes us proud to hear you play.
3. Singing or playing in a band/group is fun.
4. You’ll never find out how good you are.
5. If I don’t insist on your practicing now, you’ll complain to me later when it gets difficult.