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If you're a parent of a child who is learning to play an instrument, than you've probably asked yourself this question many times. You're paying for lessons and want to see some results!

Below are some of our best ideas, collected from our own experience as parents and music teachers-and also from our observations of other parents!

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1. Create a Routine: Establish a regular practice schedule. Consistency helps build a habit, and setting a specific time each day for practice can make it a natural part of your child’s daily routine.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Break down practice sessions into manageable chunks. Set short-term goals that are achievable, like learning 3 lines by playing them repeatedly, or just learning the first page today. Celebrate progress to keep motivation high. Remind your kid that learning to play an instrument well will take at least as long as it takes to get through middle school, or high school!
3. Make it Fun and Listen: At Wilson and Wilson Music, we use the Practice Space app to send assignments, and students can get points for practicing with the app and use them to purchase stickers or badges in the store. If motivation is low, just have your student listen to their song or watch the video 5-6 times. Listening is learning! Parents can play along with their student, or even just have them play for you while you cook dinner to make practice time enjoyable.
4. Listen with your kid!: To expand on our "listening is learning" philosophy, go down a YouTube rabbit hole with your kid- show them some music you liked as a teen and see where it takes you. Look up piano covers -or whatever their instrument is- and watch a few. As your teachers, we want your students to play tunes that get them excited- even playing a tune they learned last year counts as practice, if they're enthusiastic and focused on playing it well!
5. Positive Reinforcement: Praise your child for their efforts and improvements. Positive feedback can boost their confidence and encourage them to continue practicing. Try having them play a piece for you several times in a row while you work on a project- give them a number out of 10 and increase that number as they play more times- practice makes perfect, or at least better!
6. Create a Comfortable Environment: Ensure your child has a quiet, comfortable space for practice with minimal distractions. A well-lit area- even in a common room- with their instrument and a music stand can make a big difference. Hang guitars, fiddles, or other stringed instruments on the wall, making it easy to grab and play them.
7. Be Involved: Show interest in their progress and attend or observe their lessons whenever possible. Your involvement shows that you value their efforts and can help you understand how to support them better.
8. Set an Example: If you play an instrument or have a hobby that requires practice, let your child see you practicing. Leading by example can be a powerful motivator. We love seeing parents and kids playing together!
9. Use Rewards: Consider a reward system for consistent practice. Rewards could be simple, like extra playtime, a favorite treat, or a special outing. Practice Space app has rewards like stickers and badges right in the app, and your student can see how their practice time compares to the rest of the studio!
10. Remember: The goal is to foster a love for music and playing their instrument, rather than making it a chore. Patience and encouragement will go a long way in helping your child develop a lifelong appreciation for music. We're all playing the long game here, and even the most naturally talented students will take years to come into their own!

If you're excited about music and want to get your kid involved, we invite you to check out our online music lessons. Our offerings are always evolving, and open to you online and wherever you live!

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