Useful Tips for Helping Your Child Practice Piano
Supporting a child’s piano practice at home makes a real difference in how quickly they progress and how much they enjoy learning. Here are practical, effective ways to help.
Know What Your Child Is Working On
Ask your child’s teacher to walk you through the weekly assignments. A few minutes of clarification—either at the start or end of a lesson—gives you a clear picture of:
- What pieces or exercises should be practiced
- How often and how long
- Specific techniques or spots that need attention
With this information, you’ll be able to guide practice sessions and help your child stay focused.
Put the Piano Somewhere Your Child Doesn’t Feel Isolated
Children practice more consistently when the piano feels like part of family life. If you can, place the instrument in a shared space such as a living room or family room. Being near the household activity helps practice feel natural rather than lonely. Practicing the piano should be a joyful experience and a shared one.
Emphasize That Piano Practice Is a Creative Activity
To practice the piano is to become better able to play expressively and musically — and to ‘paint the picture’ that the composer intended for the music to ‘portray’. For your children, especially: engage their imaginations at the piano!! Encourage them to imagine and explain to you what the piece they’re playing (no matter how simple the piece, in the case of children taking beginner piano lessons) might be about.
Bring Your Child to Live Performances
Hearing a skilled musician play live can be motivating, especially for young students. Concerts by professional pianists—or any classical music performances—give children a sense of what’s possible with practice. Exposure to high-quality music often leads to greater enthusiasm and a stronger desire to improve.
Having a Piano Teacher Helps
A supportive practice routine at home makes a difference, but the right teacher plays an equally important role. A good piano instructor guides students week by week, sets clear expectations, and teaches them how to practice in a way that actually leads to progress. If you’re looking for structured, engaging lessons for your child, we offer private piano instruction in-studio in the Upper West Side or in your home in the Upper East Side, and throughout Manhattan. Feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule your child’s first lesson.
