Advice on Music practice...Do You Make Your Child Do It?

Both my kids take piano and I have found the best time for them to practice is before we leave for school. They each practice for 10 or so minutes. On the weekends they practice more because we have more time. I would say they practice about 5 days a week. They both like to practice so we have just made it part of the routine and they don't question it. (They are 6 and 10). I have learned not to comment on the practicing even if it's not quite right, or what the teacher asked them to do, then they don't get frustrated and I just let the teacher know what has been happening.

i'm a professional violinist and have taught for many years.yes,you must help them practice.best time is usually after school-a 30-45 min snack/rest break-then a half-hour practice.5 or 6 days per week is enough,however- i treat every child as though they might be a future professional-you never know.i let my students have a month free in the summer-with or without violin,i leave it up to them.i don't like teaching children under 7 myself.a

I had a similar situation when I was a child, playing the piano. My mom made me practice and it became drudgery and I quit around 10 or 11. On the other hand, my husband noodled around with the piano for years and was finally allowed piano lessons in middle school. He is a great musician now, playing the piano and guitar. I'm a teacher and I think we ask a lot of kids in school these days. So maybe your son needs some down time. I think kids grow from having time to play, relax, and explore their own interests. Having down time might even help them develop their intrinsic motivation.

E.,
As a music teacher of elementary-aged students, I first want to say, good for you for getting your son into the arts! Since he is so young, he is getting an early start on a wonderful experience that most kids will not get.

As for letting him skip practice and just play with his teacher, that is not only a waste of your money, but a waste of his teacher's time. If he enjoyed playing in the summer, think about when he played and for how long? Did he play only in down time before you left to go somewhere? Did he play a little bit before dinner time? Try to re-create a small window of time like that where he will see it is time to play his violin and where it will fit into the routine more easily. Also, since he is so young, I wouldn't recommend having him play for more than 10 or 15 minutes at a time. This way he will be able to practice what his teacher gives him, have some fun, and then be finished, without feeling overwhelmed. Even practicing just every other day would be better than not at all, if you plan to keep up with the lessons.

Otherwise, maybe wait a few more years until he can start playing the violin in his school strings program (usually starts in 4th or 5th grade).

Good luck!
B.