I provide incentives for the students to practice, perform and even refer others to lessons at Kristi Balding’s Music Studio. You can help your student look ahead to the end of the week reward. You can also feel free to encourage your students in ways that motivate them at home.
I would also like to make some suggestions that will help eliminate the option of arguing or having a meltdown over practice at home. As a parent of two sons in their 20’s, I have learned some things that I might help you apply to the practicing situation you face at home, as well.
My first recommendation is to encourage parents to verbalize their expectations BEFORE the meltdown occurs. “This school year, you are going to practice everyday as soon as you have finished dinner.” “We have made the decision to commitment to lessons, which means a commitment to regular practice at home.” “I know how much you love to *insert favorite hobby here (i.e. watch a specific TV program, play a video game, go outdoors, etc.) and I would love for you to do it just as soon as you finish your piano practice.” “Would you like to practice 30 minutes or 20 minutes today?” (Always offer MORE than is required and the minimum required. They will most often choose the minimum required, which is what you wanted anyway, right? And sometimes they will shock your socks off by saying they want to do extra…but don’t look surprised or like you tricked them. Respect their choice.)
When I was raising my boys, I said that they could date when they were 30. I never said that they couldn’t date before they were 30, just that they could date when they were 30. Now, eventually, they figure these things out, but until they did, there was no arguing about it and there was little discussion. Sometimes we, as parents, open the door for arguing by telling children that they have options that they never need to know that they have. Case in point: Do you have tearful meltdowns or daily arguments over brushing teeth? Hopefully, they know that this is a non-negotiable and so they don’t try to negotiate it, at least on a regular basis. Do they know they have to attend school fully dressed? Of course they do, you have removed the option of anything else.
Finally, I would like to dispel the notion that a minor child will ever do what they are supposed to all of the time without reminder. That is unreasonable. This also goes for music practice. Set a routine, set an alarm, give a reminder-whatever you need to do, but DON’T kid yourself into thinking that your child will not need your involvement at all. Be creative. Be happy. It can be done.
