There are times when it is difficult to get a student on a regular practice schedule. Often times these students have little motivation at home or too many activities to juggle.
When I encounter these situations, I use these 5 methods to help those students who won’t practice.
#1 – Be encouraging
Getting a student on a regular practice schedule is not going to happen overnight. It takes time and consistent encouragement each week. When goals are not met each week, still continue to encourage the student to try again for the following week. Be uplifting and tell the student how much he will continue to improve once practice goals are met each week.
#2 – Start small
Set small goals for students who resist practicing. Start with a goal such as 2 times a week for 10 minutes. Some students may feel overwhelmed by the idea of practicing and don’t know how to begin. Start with baby steps and eventually the length of practice sessions can be extended or another day can be added as the students forms regular practice habits.
#3 – Plan ahead
Talk with the student about his schedule and help him plan ahead which days he will practice. The goal is to make those practice days the same day every week. Practicing on the same days each week will help make practicing a routine.
#4 – Be specific
Once the goal for amount of practicing is set, show the student how to practice his music. Use specific instructions for practicing pieces so that students will also learn how to use their time wisely. For young students, it may be as simple as play this piece 4 times in a row each time you practice.
#5 – Be consistent
In order for students to improve, specific expectations need to be set. Reinforce goals and instructions for practicing on a regular basis consistently!
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages in New Orleans, LA. Teaching is her passion. She enjoys creating resources for her students and is the author of Ready for Theory®.
