That age old question: how can I get my child to practise? 5 ideas to inspire your little musician!

Anyone who learnt an instrument as a child has memories of being nagged to practise, and if you were anything like me, it sometimes had the opposite effect! Here at Viva Piano, we believe practice should feel playful and rewarding, not like homework. We're passionate about helping kids enjoy the process, not just the results.

Of course, even the most enthusiastic young musician needs a little encouragement now and then, and let’s face it, practice is important. So, how do we help kids actually want to sit down at the piano?

1. Make a game of it

If it's one thing we know here at Viva Piano, it's the power of GAMES. Ask your child to try rolling a dice to decide how many times to play a section, or for how many minutes. Or make a bingo card with fun challenges like 'Play with your eyes closed' or 'Teach a family member one song'!

2. Live from the lounge!

My favourite when I was a kid. Encourage your child to set up a 'stage' and perform a mini concert either for family or their toys! You can even record the performance so they can see their progress over time.

3. Get a (flexible) routine going

For some children, slotting 5 or 10 minutes into their daily routine can do the trick, for example, while dinner's being prepared. Letting them choose the slot can help them feel in control of their practice, which may help with motivation.

4. Pick some fave tunes

This really does work wonders. My motivation skyrocketed when my parents bought me a Disney song book - suddenly I couldn't wait to learn Part of Your World or Hakuna Matata! This may not always work if they are studying for grades but here at Viva Piano, we are ALL about playing music kids know and love.

5. Buddy up!

If your child has a friend that's also learning an instrument, this can be a wonderful incentive. They can perform for eachother, swap songs, even compose a duet! And if they don't have a pal that can play, rope in their siblings or other family members to sing while they play or just turn pages!

We hope these ideas help make piano practice a little more fun (and a little less of a battle!). If you’re looking for more personalised tips, or if you have any questions at all, get in touch with us at info@vivapiano.co.uk - we love a chat!