| Practicing sucks. Do you struggle to practice your instrument? Can’t get the kids to play for 10 mins? Always bribing or even making threats of what’s going to happen if your kids don’t practice? “I am paying a lot of money and my kid better be playing 1 hour a day.”
When I was a child, I hated practicing too. My Dad, the concert pianist, also attempted to teach me. To say he is old school would be an understatement; I recall getting a quick smack on the head with Brahms and Beethoven, and Bach was the most memorable because it was the heaviest book. The ruler was not just used to measure. Practicing was not just something you just did, but it was a way of showing love and respect for the family.
Now, don’t worry, we have much better ways of motivating students to practice. But there is something to be said with an “old school” approach, obviously without the pain, but with discipline. I found out early that discipline equals freedom.
If you struggle with getting to your instrument, or getting your kids to practice, talk to your in home teacher or myself for some strategies to try out. Seeing your child continue to love music and improve bit by bit really is success.
After teaching 23 years and working with thousands of students, I know that every student is different. The difference is that some teach the subject and others teach the student. This is why our attitude at Classic Studios is different; we can help so many students thrive and succeed. Every lesson is an investment in your child’s musical future. Every recital and masterclass is a monument achievement that we know will have an impact.
Consider the following:
-Don’t measure practicing in terms of “time,” measure it in “what” they will play for you. Small is beautiful.
-Go for quality not quantity. If they play one 30 second piece for you every week or so to show you that they are learning, you’re on the right path.
-Some kids will practice for an hour (who are these children!?), but there’s nothing wrong with a few focused minutes here and there throughout the week.
Music is a wonderful skill and a great tool for lifelong learning, sometimes we just have to find creative ways to engage in practicing.
If you have a musical topic you are interested in hearing about, please let me know.
Cheers,
Jan Janovsky |
Phone 780-940-2738
Email info@classicstudios.ca
