Should I Force My Child To Practice Piano?

As the school year is closing, kids everywhere look forward to various summer activities like playing sports, camping, bike-riding and enjoying life outdoors. However, as a parent, you may wonder if time at the piano will become less enticing, negating the benefits of school year lessons or your investment in that gorgeous Steinway.

Fortunately, these tips can help delete those mental images of unwilling kids suffering through daily piano practice sessions to please their parents. These are some guilt-free ways to encourage your child to practice the piano.

Offer Sincere Praise

Kids are very astute and know when you are not being sincere. Therefore, focus on offering genuinely helpful feedback when your child is practicing. For example, interjecting with "Wow, I'm proud of you for playing that whole piece" effectively promotes your child's self-esteem and commitment to the task. On the other hand, offering, "Wow, that sounds gorgeous!" to children playing the wrong notes will convey that you have low expectations for their efforts. Instead, acknowledging their efforts and encouraging them with something like, "That's a piece that takes lots of time to learn; I'm proud of you for working at it," gives your child a goal to work at achieving.

Bond Over Piano Keys

Practicing the piano can become a lonely activity for young children, but you can turn this into a fun bonding activity when you sit on the bench next to your child. Review the pieces your child will play and turn practice time into a fun event as you both replicate the notes in different octaves or enjoy a sing-along while your child plays. Sharing music will uplift you and your child and offer an enjoyable activity you both anticipate daily.

Create a Routine

Kids often view agency over time as a privilege and try to sway us to negotiate their schedules. (Can I stay up for just 15 more minutes?) Most kids' lives follow a specific routine from the moment they wake up until the time they go to bed. Although consistency is essential for a children's sense of security, having input about their daily schedule can help them develop a healthy sense of independence and promote responsibility. Your children will be more likely to sit at the piano when they choose a practice time that does not conflict with their favorite cartoon program or daily T-ball game.

Contact us today for more information about what makes playing Cantabile Harrison Steinway pianos s

o enjoyable.

info@cantabileharrisonpianos.com