This week’s show is my answer to a recent question from a piano parent.

Beth writes, “What is the best way to help a kindergarten student practice?”

Thank you for the great question, Beth!

Kindergarten is a wonderful time for students be to begin learning to play the piano. They are excellent learners, eager to soak up any information we give them. This is a great blessing and a great responsibility for parents.

Young children have not yet learned responsibility and discipline or time management and self control. Unless you are actively involved in their home practice, they will not make progress and both of you will become frustrated.

Today I’d like to share some things to consider when practicing with your young piano kids. Notice, I said WITH your piano kid. Just like personal hygiene, household chores, and school homework, YOU must be the driving force behind your child’s training.

Develop a Love of Music

Cultivate a relationship with your child through music

Dance and sing with you child

Enjoy music together

Listen to Episode 10 for more details and ideas

Timing is Everything

You can go with the flow but you can also influence the direction it goes

Set up a practice routine (Episode 105 Blessing of Routine)

Set up a schedule for practice

Follow the schedule

Sometimes we all get in a funk, we’re just not feeling it

Investigate to see what the underlying cause could be

Maybe they think the music is too hard or too easy.  Nicole Douglas shared some great tips about this in Episode 85.

Maybe they’re distracted by other sounds in the home. Dawn Ivers talked about the importance of a good practice environment in Episode 061.

Maybe they’re just having an off day.

Pick Your Battles

Attitude is everything – not only your child’s attitude but also your attitude.

Your child’s attitude

If they are having an off day, wait for a better opportunity. In Texas, we say if you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes, it’s bound to change.

Give them some time to unwind

Read a story, play outside, have a snack (drinking water really helps those brain neurons get fired up!)

After the activity come back to the piano

Make sure you are the one dictating the schedule. Don’t let “I don’t want to practice now” become “I don’t want to practice today or this week.”

Your attitude

I taught all my children to play piano and read music and I realized my shortest fuse was with my own children. I could be very patient with other people’s children but I had higher expectations with my own.

Maybe you need a short break so you can gear up to offer your child a pleasant experience.

What to do at the piano with your piano kid

Here are some practical suggestions for how you can help your young child practice at home.

Follow your teacher’s instructions – email or assignment book

Start with a familiar piece first to warm up?

Start with a new challenge while they are fresh and ready to think?

Sit next to your child – at the piano or in a chair close by.

I heard a great tip on another music podcast (Beyond the Music Lesson Podcast) today. Practice the same number of items as your child’s age. Write 5 items on a whiteboard (in order of priority) and let your child erase as they are completed.