Community
Practise Music Together
Playing music is all about community. One of the words used to describe a group of musicians is "ensemble" — French for "together." You cannot become a great musician by playing alone, and the same is true for practice. Where possible, practice should also be a communal activity.
One of the key benefits of practising together is that it helps the student become more aware of when they are making mistakes — but it also shows children that mistakes can be fun, and that they are a completely normal part of learning. If a child sees their parent struggling with the same material, it builds confidence and gives them a more honest understanding of what learning an instrument actually feels like.
Environment
Managing the Practise Space
Practising music is fun — but let's be honest, it's not as immediately fun for a child as playing a video game, watching their favourite show, or playing with a toy. Keep these sources of instant gratification away from the practice session, even if you can't remove them from the room entirely. TVs, phones, tablets, and toys all carry a strong emotional pull for children. The goal is to gradually build the same kind of positive association with the instrument. With careful management and genuinely enjoyable practice sessions, this is absolutely achievable over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times a week should a child practise their instrument?+
The minimum recommended frequency for beginners is four times per week. Daily practice is even better. The key is consistency — regular short visits to the material are far more effective than one long session. Each time your child picks up the instrument, their brain reinforces and consolidates what it learned last time.
How long should each practice session be?+
For young beginners, 10–15 minutes is ideal. Research on learning and concentration shows that focused attention starts to decline noticeably after about 18 minutes of intensive study, so there's no benefit in pushing beyond that point. Two 10-minute sessions in a day will produce better results than one 30-minute session.
What is the best time of day to practise?+
Consistency matters more than the specific time — but earlier in the day is generally better. Children are fresher before homework, dinner, and screens compete for their attention. Fixing practice at the same time each day also helps it become a habit rather than something that requires negotiation every evening.
Should I practise alongside my child?+
Yes, where possible. Practising together — even if you don't play the instrument — normalises mistakes, makes the session more enjoyable, and gives your child an audience that isn't critical. If you do play any instrument at all, even trying to learn the same piece creates a shared experience that is hugely motivating for children.
My child doesn't want to practise. What should I do?+
First, keep sessions short and end them on a positive note — always finish with something your child can play confidently. Avoid pressure or criticism during practice. Let them choose a song they enjoy occasionally. Remove distractions from the space. And remember that some resistance is completely normal, especially in the early stages. The goal is to make practice feel like a small, pleasant ritual rather than a chore.
Does it matter if my child misses a day of practice?+
Missing the occasional day is fine — life happens. The problem is when gaps become habitual. After a break of several days, children often feel like they've "forgotten" what they knew, which can be demoralising. A simple recovery strategy is to start the next session with something familiar and achievable, then gradually work back up to the material they were practising before the break.
