Friday, July 21, 2023 by Mariya Salas | Practice, Parents in Practice, Games

MAKING PRACTICE NOVEL
AND TEN WAYS TO KEEP IT FUN

Imagine for a moment how your student’s experience with their instrument would change if

practicing could be as exciting as opening up a birthday gift. How would your experience change as a

parent? It would undoubtedly move practicing off the “to do” list, and launch it to the top of the

“want to do” list. Is this even possible? If so, how can one transform practice time to become that

exciting and enjoyable? Yes, it is possible, and I am about to tell you how.

When you open a really good book, it will hook you and have you turning page after page to find

out what happens next. In order to have practice time each day that students not only enjoy, but

eagerly anticipate, we must start by making it novel. Let’s face it, even adults don’t like to do tedious

tasks day in and day out. If you as a parent aren’t excited and positive about practice, then how can

you expect your child to be? By creating an environment where students and parents are excited to

practice, you suddenly have won half the battle!

Practice will default to mundane and boring if there isn’t careful thought put into it on a daily

basis. As the home teacher and practice buddy, it is your responsibility to determine specific goals

for daily practice sessions, track your student’s progress, engage the learner by incorporating fun

and lighthearted practice variations, and offer endless praise and encouragement. Practice becomes

focused upon accomplishments instead of just tedious repetitions. Accomplishments stir up good

feelings inside of the child and the parent. By implementing the following steps, you will watch

practice become a daily highlight for both your child and yourself.

STEP 1: Set A Goal

Setting a specific goal can be tricky. You want that goal to be attainable, but also challenging. When setting your goals, ask these questions. Is it going to challenge the student? Is it within the student’s ability? Is it in line with the assignments your teacher gave you? Is it going to bring overall progress? You must take into account the student’s current abilities, adding just enough challenge that they can accomplish it with effort, without becoming discouraged in the process. Take note of how a student’s skills are progressing from day to day, and set your goal a little higher for each subsequent practice session. If you set goals in this manner, you will see your student completing with ease the assignments their teacher has given. This gives the teacher the ability to teach new skills the following week.

Involve the student in the goal setting process. They will likely need more guidance at first, but with time they will start being able to set their own goal with less assistance from you. To start out, I suggest parents think of two equally challenging goals and let the student pick which one they would like to work towards that day. This gives the student a sense of control over their practice, and also models the goal setting process which will aid them in making their own goal down the road. When a student personally sets their goal they will be more driven to accomplish it. With a new goal each day, you will avoid boring repetitions, and actively challenge the student to grow their ability. When a child meets their goal, they will feel a sense of accomplishment and look forward to practicing again the next day.

Step 2: Track Your Progress

Both in teaching and in my own playing, I have found it very effective to track my progress from day to day and over longer periods of time. This can be done in many different ways, however one of my favorites is to take short videos of your student during practice. Save them to an album that you can refer back to later on. Another way to track your progress is by keeping a practice log. This can be as simple or complex as you want, but I recommend keeping it simple at the beginning. Find a notebook to use and write something every day about the student’s practice. If the student is old enough, they should write this themselves, or dictate for the parent to write. Keep it short and to the point. Here’s an example of what you might write. “Song of the Wind: First finger still wants to pop up instead of stay down. Circle bows all landed silently!” This short entry has done two things for you. It has tracked the student’s progress so you can go back in a few days or a few weeks and see how much you have improved. Additionally,  it has given you a goal for the next practice. 

Side Note: A notebook with something fun on it like puppies, cats, sparkles, etc. will be much more fun for students. Try using a different color pen/pencil, adding stickers, etc. to make it something your student looks forward to writing in. 

Step 3: Keep it Lighthearted

The more lighthearted and fun practice is, the more a student will look forward to it each day. As long as you keep your goal in mind, there are really no limits to making practice fun and joyful. Play games, have little contests, laugh, explore, and try something new. Following are ten ideas you can incorporate into practice to keep it exciting. 

1. Try it with the student’s bow upside down. (Only do this for finger related practice.)

2. Use a bead counter for repetitions. (M&Ms, skittles, chocolate chips, etc. work great too, and the student can eat them after they finish!)

3. Have the student play in different positions. (ie: standing, sitting, laying on the floor, etc.)

4. Tour the house and have the child play in each room. 

5. See how many times they can play something correct in a set number of minutes. Can they beat their score the next day?

6. Have a concert for the student’s stuffed animals. (This is a great way to play those review songs!)

7. As the parent, try to play a practice spot and let the student teach you. (Teaching someone else is the BEST way to solidify skills.)

8. Have the student play while making a silly face at each other.

9.  Exaggerate the technique.

10. Use dice to randomly pick the next practice focus or song. (There are places you can buy Suzuki Review Song Dice, but I have found dice with dry erase sides and can easily write anything on them.

Step 4: Long-Term Positive Reinforcement

When practice is fun and enjoyable, you will start to notice your student reminding you of their need to practice instead of you having to remind them. However, even with this newfound enjoyment of practice, it is still incredibly valuable to have long term positive reinforcement to keep the motivation strong. I have done this within my studio by holding various kinds of practice competitions in which students compete for the most hours practiced over an extended period of time. At home there are endless ways to reinforce long term commitment to practice. 

1. Make a sticker chart and let the student put a sticker on it every day they practice. Once it is filled they get some kind of special prize like a “date” with you to get ice cream. Think about something that would be special for your student and make that the prize.

2. Playing Book Recitals is another great way to motivate students. When they finish a Suzuki book, celebrate by gathering their friends and family to play a recital and host a little reception of some sort afterwards. Friends and family are always impressed by book recitals, and it's a great way for the student to pass on their love for music. 

3. Actively participate in group classes and summer workshops or institutes. Students LOVE getting to play with others. When your friends are learning the same songs you are, keeping up is a form of personal motivation. (Keep in mind that students don’t always move at the same pace. Although this is a great motivator, make sure your student knows it's okay if they are a song or two behind, as long as they are giving their best effort.)

There is really no wrong way to go about positive reinforcement as long as it is well earned. Get creative! If you tell your teacher what motivation you have selected, they will be able to encourage the student towards the goal as well. While you focus on the long term positive reinforcement, don’t forget to celebrate the little achievements each day! 

Dr. Suzuki once said, “First character, then ability.” Practice builds character. Intentional and diligent practice builds stronger character. A child’s ability to play the violin is unique and special, but the character they will develop in the process will be a valuable asset for the rest of their life. The most successful people in the world know how to set goals, work to achieve them, and maintain a joyful perspective on life. By practicing alongside your child you are not only helping them learn the violin, but you are teaching them the skills they will need as a successful adult. Hold onto this bigger picture. The influence you have on your child’s life just from the way you practice with them is incredible!