What if the biggest challenge in your music program isn't teaching the music, but getting students to practice consistently once they leave your classroom?

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with educator and app developer Alvin Simpson to discuss a challenge every music teacher knows well: students who say they're practicing, but don't seem to be improving.

Alvin shares how years of teaching beginning and middle school band led him to create Practice Pet, a gamified practice app designed to help students develop consistent practice habits, stay motivated, and take greater ownership of their musical growth. Together, Lesley and Alvin explore the difference between simply playing through music and truly practicing, why habit formation matters, and how teachers can encourage student independence without adding more work to their own plates.

You'll also hear:

• Why practicing is a skill that must be taught
• The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
• How gamification can help students build lasting habits
• Ways parents can support practice at home, even if they aren't musicians
• How better practice habits can improve rehearsal efficiency
• Creative ways teachers are using Practice Pet in their programs
• Why the ultimate goal is for students to outgrow the app and become self-motivated musicians

If you've ever wondered how to get students to practice more effectively, build confidence, and make faster musical progress, this conversation offers practical ideas you can implement right away.