1. Create a Routine (But Don’t Stress Over It)
Having a regular practice time helps, but life is busy, and kids aren’t always in the mood. Find a time that works—before school, after dinner, whatever fits. But if they’re extra tired or had a rough day, it’s okay to skip and try again tomorrow. No one gets better by practicing grumpy.
Little kids can’t focus for long, and let’s be real—neither can some older ones. Instead of an hour-long struggle, aim for short, focused sessions. Even 5 to 10 minutes done well is better than 45 minutes of frustration. Set a timer if needed and let them take a break if they start zoning out.
Want to make practice easier? Have them play through their songs right after their lesson or the next day when it’s all still fresh. Waiting until the day before the next lesson? That’s like cramming for a test—it’s stressful, and it doesn’t stick. Practicing while they still remember what to work on makes everything smoother (and saves you from the “I forgot how it goes!” meltdown).
If your child has to drag out their keyboard, set up their drum kit, or untangle a bunch of cables just to start practicing, chances are they won’t want to do it. Keep their instrument easily accessible—set up and ready to play—so when they feel inspired, they can jump right in without any hassle. The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll want to practice!
You don’t have to be a musician to cheer them on! Sit and listen, or have them “teach” you something. If you play an instrument, jump in for a duet. Just showing interest makes practice feel less like a lonely chore.
Playing the same thing over and over can get boring fast. Shake things up by:

• Playing around with different speeds or making silly variations.
• Using backing tracks or music apps that make practice more interactive.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. Even if they don’t nail the song, praise the effort: “That part sounded so much better than last time!” You can even record videos to show them how far they’ve come or share with their teacher. Little boosts of confidence go a long way, and if you post to social media, be sure to tag us so we can cheer them on too!
If practice always ends in frustration, something’s off. Maybe they’re feeling stuck, or they’re just not connecting with the music. Check in with their teacher to adjust things if needed. They are your best resource for tips and tricks on how to make practice more successful. Remember, mastering any new skill can be challenging at times, and as parents, it’s our job to help our kids navigate the rough spots to get to the fun again.