The need to practise cannot be over emphasised.
But it’s not only the length of time spent practising that ensures success, but how that time is spent. One of the teacher’s roles is to show the student how best to practise effectively. General methods will apply in every case, i.e. slow repetition, breaking the music down into manageable sections; but stylistic features and technical details may require special attention, which the teacher should demonstrate if need be. It is helpful to carry a notebook or practice diary to record details of each lesson and helpful advice.
Parents can help this process by monitoring their child’s practise diary and communicating with the teacher on a regular basis.
With very young children, parents should be encouraged to sit in during their child’s lesson if possible – usually this helps them concentrate, and the parent can then provide continuity with practising throughout the week. Children up to the age of 7 will almost always need assistance to practise, unless they are especially self-motivated.
At any age, guidance and encouragement will enhance your child’s success in learning to play a musical instrument. You can do this by working out a regular period each day if possible, dedicated to spending time at their instrument, and to begin with, one where you are able to sit with them for 10 – 15 minutes, helping them to complete the tasks set. It is important to make this a pleasant time, so that your child will enjoy and look forward to it, so praise each new achievement, however small and try not to push them beyond their comfortable attention span. Little and often is far better than trying to get it all done in one go! As the child becomes self-disciplined enough to manage their own practice sessions, it is still wise for parents to oversee and ensure that they are spending the time effectively.
How Much Time Should I Spend Practising?
Ideally piano practice should be done every day, especially if you are preparing for a performance or exam. The following are recommended MINIMUM practice times per week. Individual people learn at different rates. If you are someone who learns relatively quickly, this will ensure an average rate of progress. If you are finding it hard-going or want to progress faster, try increasing your practice time.
♦ Beginner up to 3 months – minimum 1 hour per week (6 x 10min sessions)
♦ 3 – 6 months – 1 hour and a half (6 x 15mins)
♦ 6 months – Grade 1 – 2 hours (6 x 20mins)
♦ Gr.1– 2 – 2 and a half hours per week (6 x 25mins)
♦ Gr.2– 3 – 3 hours (6 x 30mins)
♦ Gr.3– 4 – 3 and a half hours ( 6 x 35mins)
♦ Gr.4– 5 – 4 and a half hours (6 x 45mins)
♦ Gr.5– 6 – 6 hours (6 x 1 hour)
♦ Gr.6– 8 – 9 hours (6 x 1 hour and a half)