Make Them Practice

by Jamey Mann, Catoctin School of Music

One of the most frustrating things I’ve noticed happening over the past few years is parents pulling students from lessons for not practicing. It’s not unusual for students to end lessons due to not practicing. However, when this is a young student between the age of 6 and 10, it is not the child’s fault for not practicing.

Parents and teachers cannot rely on a child to pick up their instrument and practice on their own. They need to be taught what practice is, how to practice, how often to practice, and sometimes be made to practice before practice becomes part of their everyday routine.

If given the choice between something fun but challenging and just fun, the child will always choose the simply fun option. In addition, music lessons are a little unusual in that they are usually once a week for about 30 min. Unlike in school where they see their teacher every day and are reminded daily about homework. Because of this music lessons require more personal responsibility from the parents and students.

1. What is practice- Students need to understand what practice is. This is the responsibility of the parent and teacher. Young people rarely understand the concept of practice and how it helps you to reach a goal. I discuss the importance of practice and getting on a consistent practice routine. Coming up with a practice routine in one of the first homework assignments I give students and parents.
2. This is Homework – Just like your math teacher/math class in school, your music teacher is giving you homework. There seems to be a disconnect with parents and students that because music lessons are an afterschool activity, that the work assigned is not as important or can wait. This attitude leads to failure. Music lessons need to be treated just like other academic endeavors, you do not learn it unless you do the homework. Playing music is fun but it does come with a decent amount of work as well. It’s an investment in the future!

Make an agreement – It is helpful before lessons begin that the student has some kind of understanding of what practice is. Also, an agreement must be reached between the parent and student that they are being provided with