Many a-time when the subject of 'music practice' is brought up, the immediate focus is on the frequency and time spent on this activity; for parents, it's almost always on how to get actively involved and how to include it in their childrenâs daily schedules.
This time round, the focus will be on the Practice Nest J - an environment that is conducive to regular, and (this is
key!) enjoyable home practice.
I love the term ânestâ because it
immediately brings to my mind a cosy area in the house where I enjoy spending
time.
Below are 4 tips I came across (on the teachpianotoday website) which
can help us achieve this, especially for our children: -
1. When
choosing a location for your piano, select a space that
is lived-in, welcoming, and well-lit. Keep it close to âthe actionâ but not in
the action. Your children will gravitate to the piano more often if it is in a
central place in your home. Avoid bedrooms, basements and other âput awayâ
places. Feeling shut-off from the family while practicing will inevitably lead
to a reluctance to spend time on the piano.
Consider the noise factor â not only
from the piano, but also from your familyâs day-to-day activities. Your
children want to be close by, but not competing with the Tv, dishwashers and
washing machines. J
2. Make
the space warm and welcoming. Your children will be encouraged to spend upwards of 30
minutes every day in this space. Is it a happy place to be for this amount of
time? Is it a cheerful and welcoming space that will encourage your child to
visit the piano often for their own enjoyment? Small adjustments can make a
world of difference e.g. adequate lighting, a comfortable bench at the
correct height, flowersâŠ
3. Ensure
your children have all required materials at hand. If
the practice notes are away from the piano, chances are thatâs where they will
remain J Help
your children put together a small basket or bin of everything they may need
for home practice â pens, pencils, highlighters, post-it notes, stickers. These
will give the children a sense of organization that will spill over into their
practice habits. Clear out old sheet music and books they no longer use.
Minimize knickknacks and other distractions from the top of the piano. Having
the books your children need at their fingertips reliably ensures that no time is spent searching
for lost or crumpled music. Get into the habit of placing the piano books here
immediately after each piano lesson so they are ready and waiting.
4. Make
the âPractice Nestâ a communal space. Children of any age appreciate company while they practice.
Having a chair, couch, beanbag chair or pillows nearby where family members
will be inclined to sit, listen and enjoy the music immediately sets the tone
for happy time on the piano. Encourage siblings to stop by and listen quietly,
and allow yourself even just 5 minutes to sit and listen with undivided
attention each time your children practice. Many memorable moments of laughter
will be found in this ânest.â
Plus one more! J Adding small surprises to your childrenâs practice nest
(flowers, a hand-written note of encouragement, a small treat, a new sticker
pad, a special pen, etc) helps to show that you value the time they are
spending on the piano and that you appreciate their effort and dedication.
One giant step towards making the
piano a vital part of your childrenâs day-to-day life (and not a requirement)
is making the piano area a place your child looks forward to visiting.
My own apartment has limited space but
my digital piano space is my favourite area, and even if I werenât a
piano teacher, I would never have to think twice about âvisitingâ and spending
time in that corner J
Cheers!
Lola :-)