If you have a piano student at home, you probably know that practicing can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Piano practice motivation comes and goes, and even the most enthusiastic students can hit slumps where they drag their feet to log those practice hours.
As a piano teacher, I see this all the time! And guess what? You’re not alone. I recently sent out a survey to our Busy Kids Do Piano members to find out what challenges they face when it comes to piano practice—and what strategies have worked for their families.
Today, I’m sharing some of their experiences with you, along with some encouragement to help you and your child create a practice routine that sticks.
What’s the Biggest Challenge?
It probably won’t surprise you that 50% of the families who responded said that motivation is the hardest part of practicing piano. It’s completely normal for students to go through periods of high enthusiasm followed by times when practice feels like a chore.
So how do families overcome this challenge? Here are a few strategies shared by our members:
🎵 Incorporate practice into your daily routine. Jennie, a homeschooling mom, says that they treat piano practice as part of their school day, Monday through Friday. By making it a habit, it just becomes part of the flow of their day.
🎵 Mix things up! Jonathan, a Busy Kids Do Piano dad, encourages his child to vary the focus of their practice sessions. Some days they work on just right-hand technique, other days they focus on keyboard geography or rhythms. Keeping it fresh prevents burnout!
🎵 Use incentives to stay on track. Several families mentioned that the BKDP Monthly Practice Challenges, which enter students into a drawing for an Amazon gift card, have been a huge motivator in their homes.
Celebrating Wins—Big and Small!
One of the most important things we can do as parents and teachers is celebrate progress—no matter how big or small. A student’s piano journey isn’t just about mastering pieces; it’s about developing persistence, creativity, and confidence along the way.
Here are some inspiring “wins” shared by our members:
🌟 Perseverance: One student kept playing and practicing even after breaking an arm! That’s dedication!
🌟 Accountability: A family implemented a check-off system where their child marks off each practice session, helping them measure progress in a fun and visual way.
🌟 Routine: Another parent shared that their biggest win was simply establishing a consistent, sustainable practice routine—because consistency is key to long-term success.
🌟 Sharing their music: Several students love playing for friends and family, which boosts their confidence and makes practice feel more rewarding.
Find What Works for Your Family
Every child is different, and what works for one student might not work for another. If your child is struggling with practice motivation, consider making small shifts to your routine and testing different approaches until you find what fits your family best.
Most importantly, know that you’re not alone on this journey! You’re part of a supportive community of piano families who are figuring it out together. Keep celebrating progress, keep encouraging your child, and keep making music a joyful experience in your home.
🎶 What’s been your child’s biggest piano “win” lately? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear! 🎶
