Can My Child Take Piano/Music lessons If They Don’t Have Time To Practice?
Do you want your child to learn an instrument but worry that they won’t have time to practice or you don’t want to force them to? Maybe they’re already taking lessons but both student and teacher are frustrated because of the lack of practice and progress. Whatever the reason, your child is not going to practice. Can they still take music lessons?
The answer is yes, if you find the right teacher and have realistic expectations.
Find a Good Fit
Practice really is important to learning an instrument, so some instructors take it very seriously, going so far as to have signed practice contracts or elaborate practice incentives. This is why you need to be upfront with a teacher if you know your child will not have time to practice. Some teachers will not take you on, and that’s okay. You want a teacher who’s excited to teach your child anyway, right? Find one who’s on board with you.
I always encourage good practice habits but I personally don’t mind if a student doesn’t practice as long as they are focused and engaged in the lesson itself. I teach students who practice 5-7 days a week and students who never pick up their instrument between lessons. The ones who don’t practice can struggle more, but if they’re willing to do the work in the lesson then I’m excited to do it with them. They can still make progress each week and we can have fun together and be creative. Students who come ready to focus can still challenge themselves and have a musical experience.
Adjust Expectations
A student who doesn’t practice will likely make slow progress when it comes to being able to play new music, but that doesn’t have to be the only goal of taking lessons. A teacher with a comprehensive approach to music literacy will have more tools to engage with a student who doesn’t practice. Improvising, composing, ear training, and theory games are all worthy musical activities. These options, other than simply playing tunes, give your child the opportunity to choose and delve into the activities they really enjoy, at least once a week.
Of course they also get the benefit of challenging themselves each week along with a personal music coach who’s always happy to see them, whether they’ve practiced or not. Expect progress, just slower, and not necessarily the type of progress that’s easily heard.
Give It Time
The motivation to practice may come on its own, with time. Music is a long-term activity. Many times, students will experience a shift where they eventually become self motivated to practice. It also often happens that students who were once very excited to practice lose motivation, especially as teenagers. These shifts are to be expected over the years. Don’t let a lack of practice stop you or your child from pursuing music. Find a teacher who can get on the same page, then expect fun, musical, creative lessons during this period rather than a standout performance at the recital. You won’t regret it.
Check out Victoria Boler’s blog below for more great tips for parents.
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