Practicing

Practicing is the one issue that every music student runs up against. Unlike television or video games, learning to play an instrument takes work. It is not instantly perfect at your fingertips. You cannot just put it into a microwave and press a button.

You can't expect crockpot quality if you only are willing to put in a microwave amount of time!

Of course, there is fun in music as well. And students are often motivated to do something when they are experiencing success with it.

The Suzuki method is spectacular for helping kids stay motivated. Small little bight-sized pieces are given one at a time so that students experience success, repetition is a key element, and students like what they are good at. Students listen to the CD’s and know how the songs go, so when they get to each piece, they recognize them and are excited to be able to quickly learn them. However, no matter how nicely things are broken down, the issue of work is still part of the deal.

It is important for parents not to be afraid to encourage their children to work, and even to require it. The common idea that I have heard parents express is that they are afraid to require their kids to practice because they don’t want them to hate it. However, when practicing is part of students' daily routine, they get good at it, and they enjoy playing more. Parents play a key role in helping students enjoy learning - setting up a positive learning environment. Helping students develop a regular time and place to practice, encouragement, games, listening to the music, and most of all, setting an example by enjoying music-making and listening themselves.