Changing the practice conversation

I saw a brilliant post on social media* recently which I wanted to share with you all. It's about changing the language we use with our kids when encouraging them to practise - which as we all know, isn't always plain sailing :-) 

Instead of 'telling' or 'making' your child practise, try these positive alternatives:

• Can I hear what your teacher taught you today?
• Did you start a new piece? 
• I'm making dinner now, and I'd love to have some background music.
• Why don't we go to the piano so I can hear how you are progressing on your pieces?
• After you play your pieces, let's go for a walk.
• Why don't we have a little concert tonight after dinner? You can play us some pieces on the piano and then we can all go out for ice cream!

Avoid being excessively critical:

• Wow, you're making great progress! Maybe you could try playing that section slowly so you are able to correct some notes (etc)... ( - encouraging attention to detail, self discipline...)
• I love how you play that piece. What would it sound like if you played it loudly / quietly ( - exploring dynamics and higher order 'what if' thinking)
  
• What advice did your teacher give you for approaching that tricky section? ( - subtly reminding them to check their piano practice notebook for advice and guidance I write down for them every lesson!)

And as for encouraging music to be enjoyable - make music (and the other arts, of course!) a regular part of life, not just something else on the to-do list. 

Whole family activities that involve music:

• Singing together - why not find backing tracks on YouTube and have a family karaoke session / competition?!
• All my students know duets / games on the piano - get them to teach you something!
• Listen to music together and talk about it - what do you like? What don't you like? Why?  Listening to a range of cover versions of the same song can be quite interesting and spark some quite strong opinions at times!

Do give these a try - and let me know how it goes!


* Thanks to @melspianostudio for sharing the article.