FAQ  |  recommended resources  |  piano: bare essentials  |  Effective Practice & Motivation

Below are some of the many different aspects involved in learning how to practice effectively.

Environment | Goals  | Musical Form | Rhythm | Fingering | Posture & Tension | Method | Memory | Pedal | Motivation

Helping your child to learn to practice effectively is obviously a great idea but perhaps a more practical issue is that of getting your child to the piano in the first place. It is usually helpful for parents, children and teachers to discuss each particular child's ideal practice time and environment. Some children enjoy receiving parental help, other children prefer to have a parent sit beside them just for their company, not their wisdom. We all lead busy lives and it is helpful for all involved to discuss the parameters of what each person involved is able to contribute to piano practice. For more ideas on how to motivate your child click here.

In addition to these site resources, you can download a Practice Guide which you might want to keep at the piano for your child; it is a very 'generic' guide. Your child's teacher may want to create a different list with more specific guidelines. The important thing is that practicing should be goal oriented and children need to be assigned very realistic and specific goals.