Music practice -how do you get them to do it?

[HarrietHairbrush]

Argh. It’s so hard. Any advice welcome?

How old are the DC? Short bursts of practice are best, 10 minutes is fine..not like the hour blocks I was forced to do. Apparently the muscle and brain memory work better. Just run through a piece of music once or twice and that's enough. Take the pressure off. Agree to play it once through and mean it - then same next day. When they realise that's all it is they are more inclined to just do it then you shut up about it!!

Don't. If they don't want to practice then why force it. I have been there and honestly so relieved when it was given up!

Same as Ruby, start just running through the piece once, 10 minute practice.
My ds is 11, drummer, grade 4. He practices most nights the pieces he's learning so no more than 15/20 minutes a day maximum.

It’s linked to pocket money here - five lots of practice (only five minutes) needed to get pocket money. Two instruments, so double if she does both five times. Also, I exempt from chores any child who is doing schoolwork or instrument practice at that moment, or just about to start. It looks more attractive when the alternative is unloading the dishwasher or hanging the laundry

Little and often, building up a bit in length as they have gotten older/better.

A friend also advised me to remove obstacles to practice. They were only small things, but mentally it made practice seem more accessible if they didn’t have to set up the music stand each time, if their instruments/music were at hand, etc. They can just sit and start warming up.

I ask my DC to choose the time they're going to do their practice (could be the same time every day for a week, or the time for that particular day). I find making them commit to a specific time means they're more likely to do it than if I just say they need to do it at some point that day or evening. Then if they forget, I say "it's 6pm now" (or whatever), which somehow feels less like nagging than saying "time to do your practice". I think because it reminds them that they chose that time.

No exams. Ds still had lessons and learnt what he wanted to learn. He and the teacher enjoyed the lessons. Then the practice just happened because it was enjoyment not a chore.

My daughter is taking piano lessons and using an app such as Simply Piano is keeping her really interested and engaged between lessons. It's truly amazing, I'm learning on it myself.

They practice or you don't pay for lessons anymore.

At first I just had to sit in with DS and help him.

Once he got better I bought him a timer and 20 minutes music practice had to be done before gaming/going on the computer or whatever else he wanted to do. I don't think I insisted on every day except at weekends and holidays.

He is now 22 and is very good at making sure boring but necessary stuff is got out of the way in good time!

No exams here either. Two instruments, and DS2 practices one each evening after tea. We find that the routine helps.

He's making steady progress in both, but particularly his orchestral instrument because he loves orchestra and it motivates him.

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut

They practice or you don't pay for lessons anymore.

This, "if you want lessons you need to practise ".

Tell them to tidy their bedroom/take the binbags out/do their maths and spellings - literally anything else but practise their instrument.

All five of my children have had piano lessons, the oldest is obsessed, it's his passion, he asked for singing lessons too, he's going to university to study music this year, the other four gave up, I didn't encourage any of them particularly, it's either their thing or it isn't

Yes, no practice, no lessons.
Later on, no lessons means no orchestra. No orchestra means no tours.

Piano we just did together as I was learning too.

We stopped for a year as she wasnt really interested in practicing. Dont make it a punishment or like they have failed you or they will be dragging their heels thinking they need to to please you.

A change of friends and a desire to play - new teacher and the love is back! I don't think it would have been if we'd forced her tbh.

Short and often

Thanks all.
I feel like we have tried many of these and I do feel like I am nagging

Do they want to do it? Different instrument?

Can you find some music that they are interested in to play? For my DD, even one piece at the end of a load of examination pieces makes it more fun. If it's new music, it counts as sight reading IMO

There are some (free) websites where you can print out music so if there is an artist that they like get one of their songs to play. Or, depending on the instrument your child plays, look for an external organisation that runs short courses or sessions - if you have a string player I'd really recommend the Benedetti Foundation courses and virtual sessions as they cover all playing levels and are fab.

short daily practice becomes routine. build in five minutes every day and they get used to it quickly. and agree to keep it a bit flexible. I usually ask my 10yo when she plans to practise, and she's pretty good at sticking to what she agrees. If that doesn't work try as early in the day as possible, as some instruments can be really physically tiring.

also, try to find an ensemble to join. locally there are some for real beginners with just a few notes. lots of fun and really motivational.

There are enough things you have to make them do without adding voluntary things to the list.
When DS started he adored it but after a few months I found myself nagging about practice and decided that it was not beneficial to family life so he stopped.

I let mine give up.

You’d think I’d let them drop maths from some people’s reactions. It’s a shame, but any love of music or the instruments (tried a few) had died a long time ago.

Do they actually want to play their instruments? Making them is miserable for them and even more miserable for the teacher tbh.

How old are they, and do they actually want to play? Do they play outside of lessons and practice?

Unless they are very motivated to improve, or like exams, just having lessons and then practicing is quite soulless. It is the performance aspect, playing in groups, orchestras, with friends or just for pleasure that encourages. I think we tend to forget that sometimes.