LEADING NOTE MUSIC 

Supporting Your Child's Musical Journey:  Practising at Home

At first glance, it may seem that music lessons require relatively little parental involvement. Unlike extracurricular activities such as soccer, baseball, gymnastics, hockey, or dance, however, learning an instrument requires children to practise independently at home between lessons. For many young students, this is one of the biggest challenges of learning music. Most children have not yet developed the discipline and independence needed to practise consistently without some guidance and encouragement from their parents.

So, what is a parent to do?

Learning music is both rewarding and enjoyable, but it also requires effort. Unfortunately, there is no substitute for regular practice. Students who rarely practise will make little progress, while those who practise consistently will gradually develop their skills, confidence, and musical understanding.

One helpful approach is to encourage children to think about practice in terms of the benefits it brings. Sometimes, parents explain that piano practice is good for their children, much as eating vegetables is good for their health. We may not always feel like eating broccoli, but we understand that it contributes to our well-being. Similarly, although children may not always feel like practising, regular practice helps them become more capable and confident musicians.

It can also be helpful to connect music lessons to a child’s particular interests and ambitions.

Finding the Right Motivation for Your Child

For some children, learning about successful musicians who began their musical journeys with formal training can be inspiring. Sarah McLachlan, Diana Krall, Chantal Kreviazuk, Bruce Cockburn, and Jeff Healey are among the well-known Canadian musicians who have studied within the Royal Conservatory of Music tradition.

Bruce Cockburn, for example, has spoken positively about his experience studying piano and music theory using the Royal Conservatory’s curriculum:

“While I was in high school I studied piano and music theory with a private teacher, using the Royal Conservatory’s curriculum. I acquired Grade 6 Piano, and Grade 3 Theory, which set me up very well for further studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. The Conservatory’s system was challenging but doable, and I would recommend it to any serious music student.”

— Bruce Cockburn

If your child is particularly interested in sports, you might explain how learning an instrument can help develop focus, patience, and discipline—qualities that are valuable to athletes as well. The connection between music and sport is illustrated by Canadian Olympic figure skater Eric Radford. A Royal Conservatory alumnus, Radford went on to compose the music for the short program he performed with his skating partner, Meagan Duhamel, at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. His story is a wonderful example of how musical skills can enrich other pursuits and even lead to unexpected opportunities.

For a child who enjoys academic challenges, the intellectual benefits of learning music may be particularly appealing. Research has explored associations between musical training and various aspects of cognitive development, although these findings should not be taken to mean that piano lessons automatically lead to higher academic achievement.

Albert Einstein is another fascinating example of the close relationship between music and intellectual life. An accomplished violinist who also played the piano, Einstein found music deeply meaningful. His second wife, Elsa, described how he would turn to the piano while working through his ideas:

“He also plays the piano [as did his mother]. Music helps him when he is thinking about his theories. He goes to his study, comes back, strikes a few chords on the piano, jots something down, and returns to his study.”

— Elsa Einstein

Stories like these can help children see that music is not simply another activity on their weekly schedule. It can become a source of enjoyment, creativity, personal growth, and inspiration throughout their lives.

Establishing a Realistic Practice Routine

How much should a child practise each day? The answer depends on the child’s age, experience, attention span, and current level of study.

Practice sessions do not need to be long, particularly in the early years. In my studio, I want my young students to have time to be children, so I set practice expectations accordingly. For many young beginners, approximately 15 minutes a day is a reasonable starting point, adjusted to suit the individual student and the assignments given at each lesson. This allows children to make steady progress while still having plenty of time for play, family, and other activities.

As children mature and their musical skills develop, their practice time can gradually increase.

Equally important is establishing a consistent daily routine. Children generally benefit from structure and predictability, and practising at approximately the same time each day helps make it a regular part of life rather than a daily negotiation. You might choose a time after school and a snack, before dinner, or at another point in the day that works well for your family.

The goal is to make practice a familiar habit. When children know what to expect, parents often find that getting started becomes much easier.

Making Practice a Shared Experience

Piano practice is usually a solitary activity, and for some children, it can feel lonely. If your child enjoys company, consider sitting nearby while they practise. Your presence can provide reassurance, encouragement, and a sense that their musical efforts matter to you.

Be generous with genuine praise. Notice their progress, celebrate the passages they have mastered, and show an interest in what they are learning. Over time, this can become a special part of your day that you both look forward to.

You do not need to have a musical background to participate. Your child may be delighted to teach you what they have learned. In explaining a piece or demonstrating a new skill, they will reinforce their own understanding and get additional practice without necessarily realizing it!

If you have musical experience yourself, you might enjoy playing the teacher duets included in many piano books. Making music together can be a particularly rewarding way to share your love of music.

For other children, simply having someone listen is enough. Family members and friends can offer valuable encouragement, too. I remember how much my father enjoyed listening to my children practise, and how they would simply glow under his warm praise. His interest made them feel that their efforts were worthwhile.

A few thoughtful words can make a tremendous difference. Here are two examples of comments you might make while listening to your child play:

“Wow! That used to be so difficult for you! Can I hear it again?”

“The middle section was so beautiful! Can I hear it again?”

Notice that both comments focus on something specific: progress in the first example and musical expression in the second. They show your child that you are genuinely listening and appreciating what they can do.

Inspiring a Lifelong Love of Music

Beyond establishing a practice routine, parents can encourage their children by finding opportunities to make music exciting and meaningful.

Attending local concerts and music festivals is an excellent place to start. Events such as the North York Music Festival can introduce children to other young musicians and give them the opportunity to hear what their peers are accomplishing. Admission to many festival events is often free, making this an accessible way to experience live music and discover emerging talent.

Older children and teenagers in your neighbourhood or family circle who play the piano can also be wonderful role models. Younger students may be excited to hear someone only a few years older perform a piece they themselves hope to play one day. Seeing what another young musician has achieved can make their own goals feel more attainable. When children become inspired by what is possible, parents may find that they need to remind them to practise much less often.

Movies can provide another source of musical inspiration. Three films I particularly recommend are Mr. Holland’s Opus, Music of the Heart, and August Rush. Each explores music in a different way and can help children appreciate its emotional power and its ability to connect people. Shine and Amadeus are also compelling films about music, although some of their content is more appropriate for mature audiences.

The more children experience music as something exciting and meaningful—not merely another task to complete—the more likely they are to develop a lasting interest in it.

The Rewards of Perseverance

Learning to play the piano takes time, patience, and perseverance. Meaningful accomplishments rarely come easily, whether in music, sports, academics, or any other worthwhile pursuit. We all encounter moments when we would rather do something else, but learning to work through those moments is part of achieving something meaningful.

Regular practice teaches children more than how to play an instrument. It helps them develop discipline, concentration, resilience, and the satisfaction that comes from seeing their efforts produce results. These are skills they can carry into many other areas of their lives.

Your encouragement and support at home can make a tremendous difference in your child’s musical journey. By helping them establish a realistic practice routine, taking an interest in their progress, celebrating their accomplishments, and finding ways to keep music inspiring, you can help them build a strong foundation for success.

Above all, remember that the goal is not simply to get your child through each day’s practice. It is to help them discover the joy of making music and, perhaps, to develop a love of music that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.