Self Discipline and self motivation

This is something that is not natural for most kids. Regular practicing is a path towards self-discipline that goes way beyond music — it’s a skill that has hugely positive ramifications for personal fulfillment and lifetime success.

Problem is self-motivated discipline isn’t exactly first nature for most kids, so it’s up to families to help create positive, engaging and fun ways to practice as a path towards self-motivation.

Practicing to Achieve Goals not Time Goals

Having a goal for each practice session is essential, whether your child is practicing for five minutes or a couple of hours each day. Set Small Goals for the week and track them using a Practice Log (our Red Practice Book).

Create the right environment

Also, if you’re having trouble coaxing your child into practicing, try doing it at a different time of day. You may find in your house the mood, and the amount of stuff that could accomplish in less than 10 minutes changes dramatically when you switch from practicing in the early evenings to getting it done before school.

Positive association

Use Practice as currency – it works! For some students, 30 minutes on the piano means they could spend 30 minutes playing their favorite game. Practice is associated with something positive, and they are more willing to sit down

Ease of access

Instead of packing up the instrument after practice, leave it out ready to be picked up at any time. It not only shortens the time your child needs to dedicate to “going to practice” you may also find the picking it up unprompted.

One size doesn’t fit all

Finally have your child practice for however long they can concentrate, or until they have accomplished their goal …. this might be only 5-10 minutes, but that is sufficient to reinforce their learnings.

Find out more by contacting Learn2Play Music https://www.learn2playmusic.com.au/contact-us/