How much music practice (secondary school pupil) is an optimum but realistic amount?

[mrsjavierbardem]

How often, and for how long, do your dcs practice their musical instruments?

I want ds to do more but it's so hard. A friend says every morning before school is easier than blood from a stone after school.

Honestly? Not much at all. Maybe 2x30 -45 mins 2x week mostly night before lessons....

They progress pretty well despite that and I guess if they made an effort could be very good.

However this is on top of lots if in school music, schools symphony, Orchestra etc etc and they have all been choristers (dd2 still is, DS sings in an adult choir) - so excellent sight reading and aural skill are a given.

Can't persuade mine to do music for degree - DS esp fears it'll be a chore...

Those mentioning 2 or 3 hours a day when you were young how did you fit in homework or study for exams?!
Morethan this question is not for you because your dd is home educated

Bumping my own question. It is a genuine question. DS couldn't right now fit 2 or 3 hours a day even if he wanted unless he stopped sleeping eating and using the loo.

I didn't do 'hours' until after grade 8 but then it was 90min before school (piano) and 3 hrs from 8-11 pm (violin) in sixth form, plus other activities and five A-levels. Distances here not huge.

Thanks gosh I am impressed. I dont think DS will ever be able to go with so little sleep and morning practice is not possible for us. Only reason I am interested is that he seems to want to take music seriously...time will tell.