How to Make Piano Practice Fun for Kids
Piano lessons can sometimes feel like a chore for young children, especially if they’re just starting out. As a piano teacher and music therapist, I have found that beginner piano students respond well to ‘fun’ classes. The challenge is that practicing piano is not always as much fun as playing the songs we know and love or playing games in class. It is vital that parents recreate a fun environment for students when practicing at home. Here are some ideas:
- Play Games
Kids love games, and the good news is you can incorporate them into practice sessions. Let your child identify five notes, from C to G, on the piano. Then, have them play two notes from this collection. As the parent, you’re not allowed to see the piano. After the notes are played, go to the piano and try to figure out which two notes were played. Reverse roles for an added challenge. This can also be done with a rhythm clapping exercise.
- Sing Along to Familiar Songs
One of the best ways to keep kids excited about piano practice is to let them play songs they know and love. When a student is practicing, it may be beneficial to encourage the whole family to sing along to the tune the student is playing. This will encourage the student to practice a song until it’s smooth, instead of just playing the notes over and over.
- Set Fun and Achievable Goals
Kids thrive on achievement, so setting small, manageable goals can give them something to look forward to. These goals don’t have to be grand; they could be as simple as mastering a new scale or playing a song all the way through without stopping. Always praise their effort, no matter how big or small!
- Make It Social
Piano practice doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. Involve other family members or friends by having group practice sessions or organizing small recitals at home. You could also consider arranging joint lessons with other students for a fun musical exchange. Encouraging social interaction and teamwork around piano playing can make practice feel like a shared, enjoyable experience that involves your whole family.
I hope you can incorporate these techniques into your own practice. Try these tips to make piano practice at home a little more fun and less of a chore!
