If you have just started lessons it is difficult to know how much practice should be done. Enthusiasm can get you a long way but possibly only 3 or 4 days past the first lesson. Then is will take encouragement, cajoling, bribery and learning yourself too.
Encouragement is vital. A young person, of any age (including top teens) will need encouragement. Honestly we all need it at times, and listening, asking questions about the music and just being interested can make a huge difference.
Cajoling. Some students really do need it. Cajoling - persuade, wheedle, coax, talk into, manoeuvre, get round, blarney, flatter, tempt, inveigle.
Simply any of the above.
Somedays it works a treat, others it falls flat on its face but it is well worth giving them all a try. Afterall how many adults say (or think) I used to play ... or I wish I had learnt music.
Bribery. Some parents use the financial bonus for exam success. My Mum preferred maltesers or grapes, in the late 70's I valued these more. Infact I still use a malteser treat for a couple of pounds lost on the never ending diet :)
Learning yourself is a great way to get the practise in as teaching is the best way to learn. Book a lesson with your little musician - the payment could be an evening off chores.
There are many great ideas to help with starting to practice, but for how long. To start with, for a beginner, aim for 5 minutes twice a day, or 10 minutes once a day for 5 days a week. This will soon increase as skill levels do and it provides an achievable starting point.
Our current Practice to Party challenge also helps. Don't forget 5 mins per bead.
How do you manage the practice routine ?
What problems do you have actually getting to practice?
Have you found any great solutions you can share ?
Happy practising.