4 Tips on Establishing Daily Practice
The number one predictor of success for violin students is to make practice a daily habit. Sometimes the thought of practicing daily can seem overwhelming for families and students. There are so many demands in the modern world that can make this goal seem unattainable. Practicing daily makes practicing easier. Kids are more willing to do something if it is part of their daily routine. So, here are some tips to making daily practice a part of your life.
Link practice with another routine. I tell my students to practice every day you brush your teeth. It’s not a bad idea to link these two routines together! If there is something you do every day–like eat a meal or brush your teeth, you can glom on to that activity to keep it regular.
Find the best time. I always recommend trying to practice in the morning before school. Playing a musical instrument is incredibly physical, so it should be thought of like playing a sport and most sports have practices in the early morning. It will feel very good to get it done in the morning, but that might not work for every family. Some families do it before homework or after dinner. If your child is practicing without your help, maybe they can practice while you make dinner. The most important thing is to find a time that works consistently, and have back-up times in case the regular time doesn’t work out.
Re-examine your after school commitments. If you are having a hard time fitting in practice, consider how many after school activities you are enrolled in. Often times parents put their kids in too many activities which doesn’t leave them with time to practice. If you have a different activity after school every day, without some days off, you may be doing too many things. Examine what matters the most to you and stick with a couple of extracurriculars so your kids can do those activities well. This is what more and more colleges are looking for in applicants–commitment and excellence in a couple extracurriculars rather than scattering your interests across too many disciplines.
Let go of practice expectations. Sometimes we can’t finish the entire practice chart in a day. But, it’s critical to keep trying every day. If you have an extra busy week, opt to pick up the violin for some review. When you have time, make sure you complete all your tasks and it will feel extra good to get it all done.
Community. Group class is one of the most important parts of my studio. Having my entire studio meet every week gives every family perspective that they are not in this alone. There are others on the same journey, in different parts of the journey. I love mixed level classes for this reason. The advanced students become role models, the beginners see what’s coming next, and the parents are there in solidarity.
If you’re still trying to figure out ways to succeed in attaining daily practice, having a private teacher can be one of the most important assets. I like to think of myself as a personal trainer. Not only am I here to give my students expert advice on violin technique, but I am also your coach. I’m there to keep encouraging you to try, to cheer you on even if practice isn’t as regular as you’d like. We can work together to make practicing easier.
