May 2025 - Piano is Not Soccer Practice
I fear that in my efforts to make piano study more palatable and accessible to everyone, my messages about the importance of consistent, focused practice time have been misunderstood. Allow me to explain.
“Something is always better than nothing,” I frequently tell my students (and my own children). It’s true - five minutes at the piano is better than zero minutes. A five minute walk is better than sitting down all day. However, that does not mean that five minutes is enough to stave off health complications from a sedentary lifestyle. Five minutes here and there, or even 15 minutes 3-4 times a week, IS better than nothing, but it’s not enough to cement the fine motor skills needed to play an instrument reliably and comfortably.
To achieve reliable results at the piano, school-aged students must commit to daily practice of at least 30 minutes (perhaps less for very young children). When preparing for a recital, that time is essential for adequate preparation.
As recital season approaches, here are a few suggestions to help students (and caregivers!) prepare for a beautiful musical celebration!
Perform your pieces regularly! Play for family members, FaceTime Grandma and Grandpa, have your friends over and play for them. Music is meant to be shared, not simply enjoyed alone.
Record yourself playing, both audio and/or video. Watching a video of yourself playing can be intimidating at first, but it can also be great feedback.
If you are having trouble learning or memorizing your piece, try listening to a recording. Better yet, watch a video of a piano professional playing your piece. YouTube is a great resource for piano teaching videos. If you need help getting started, please ask me.
Try setting a timer to ensure you’re practicing for a long enough period of time.
Try using a practice chart or calendar to keep track of the days you’re practicing. Place colorful stickers on the days when you practice 15 minutes or more.
I have absolutely no problem with rewarding kids for practice time well spent. Whatever it takes. 🙂
And these are just the beginning!
So many things compete for our attention. You’ve chosen piano as a way to enrich your student’s lives. Be sure to give piano the time and attention it needs to be nurtured.