How to Encourage your Kids to Practice!

You know, I was one of those that didn't want to practice.  Yes, believe it, because I was!  I loved the piano from the time I was two.  I would play the piano at age five I showed a distinct interest in the piano, and by the time I was six my mom decided to put me in.  My mom started learning and by the time she had taken piano lessons for one year, she no longer had an interest in it. So she did her worst, she quit!  She's regreted it ever since.  Which is why she put all of my siblings in the piano interested or not.  And you know what, none of us regret it!  No, not one.  Not even my brother who put up a fight to practice the piano; Every. Single. Day.  Though, the most interesting point of all, though, is that he probably loves it as one of the most (except me, and maybe another sibling).  What was my mom's secret?

Well, first off I want to say one thing, the piano teacher always helps, but.....  I'd have to say the parent is the one at home most of the time.  And although the teacher we took from was really good at teaching theory (important *) the teacher still had people quit.  Although, my mom and her kids didn't quit.  My mom had seven kids, so that's why I bring her up as an example She brought up just about every personality of kids that you can think of.  So, back to my question, what was her secret? Well....  here's some things that I think with consistency can really improve your child's desire to practice (although realize practicing is still work, it's still hard to do!).

• Schedule a practice time reserved for every single day-  This helps to develop the habit of practicing.  If they practice at the same time every day they will remember to practice, with a little nudge from their mother ;) 
• Duets, duets, duets!!! I cannot say this enough, but duets help with social interaction, confidence, learning how to play on a steady beat (because you have to conform to a partner), count out loud, and pick songs that may be their level but still sound really complex and fun!
• Performance opportunities-  These can be so simple!  Recitals are important if your teacher does them, but you too can also schedule performance opportunities such as a family talent-show, or with cousins and grandparents, or your local nursing home!  Even an aunt's wedding, a church performance, things like that.  Seek out those opportunities that allow your children to play and to grow.  Can really help if it's at least every 2-4 months!  This helps their confidence build because they see themselves through other's eyes that they can play the piano.  SO IMPORTANT!
• When they perform take time out of your day- Whether you play the piano and take time to play with them, or even if you don't sit down and listen to them play, tell them they are doing an excellent job!  This shows them that when they play the piano it's important to you too.  Not just as another "chore" or "job", but as a time where you like to listen to them play.
• Take out TV and other distractions during their piano time- such an important one!  If you don't take out the distractions of other fun things, why would they want to practice?  They see this as a punishment if they have to practice when all the other fun activities are going on.  Try not to schedule anything during your child's scheduled practice time.
• Theory & Technic/Scales- This is probably 10 times more important than all the rest, without Theory books, Technic, or Scale books your child will not catch on as quick.  Whether it be learning the notes, or learning the "how"s of playing fingerings, and keeping their fingers flexible.  These things I show my students every week are so important.  We always play them first before their other lesson material, and I show them constantly the scales and theory that is already in the songs they are learning.  It's really an eye opener.  I had a student in level 4 who was struggling with a song, and as I showed him he was playing his cadences (super-man chords or a form of scales and also something you learn to understand in theory) he was able to play those notes right on sight.  Because instead of figuring out each note, he was able to figure out the "pattern", which is really all theory & technic/scales are!  It makes the songs ten times easier. So important to encourage theory books completion at home.  I give out a theory assignment every week.
• Buy them music they love!! This one is extremely important.  it's important that your child get the kind of music they love to play.  Birthdays, Christmas, and allow them to learn it and count it as practice time as they do so.  The important part is they are learning new pieces.
• Listening- let your child listen to other well practiced performers.  It will allow them to see what they can play in the future if they practice allowing them to WANT to practice more to achieve those seen or heard goals of listening constantly to music as they get ready for school or get home from school.

If you keep these several things in your schedule your child will continuously progress and have a better desire to practice.