Here are some helpful suggestions with regards to ways to motivate your child to practice:
Interest
Take a keen interest in their piano studies. Listen to them perform some of their piano repertoire for you on a weekly basis, encourage them to give little performances in front of close friends and relatives and always give them praise and encouragement for their efforts. There is nothing more rewarding then showcasing your musical accomplishments to others.
Inspiration
Inspiration is one of the most powerful motivators. Listening to professional musicians will not only assist them with cultivating a beautiful tone at the piano, but it may also help deepen their love for music in general and inspire them to practice harder at the piano. Take them along to live performances (piano recitals, large orchestral performances, jazz festivals etc.) and listen to quality recordings, find out what musical styles make them tick. Read them intriguing short articles or documentaries about other renowned, young musicians.
Playtime
Don’t restrict them to practicing material that is solely covered in the lesson. Allow them some additional playtime during the week to spontaneously hit some keys. This will appeal to their innate sense of play, stir some creative ideas and help them reconnect with the instrument.
Scheduling
Schedule times for them to practice during the week until they are disciplined enough to keep to a regular practice routine and if possible, ensure it is at a time when they are not too physically or mentally exhausted. For young students, short intermittent sessions of practice throughout the day works best.
Environment
Make sure you create a nice, quiet environment for your child to practice, that is free from distraction.
Progress
Make sure you establish a regular practice routine from the beginning and that will set them on the right path for a more positive learning experience at the piano. When they see the improvements and progress they make from week to week that should fuel their desire to work harder at the piano. That is why having an instrument to practice on from the time they commence formal piano lessons is so essential. Progress can also be a strong motivator.
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