Making Practice at Home More Fun

Let's Play Music
Aug 14
4 min read

Piano practice doesn't always have to mean sitting at the piano and playing the same song over and over.

For young children, adding a little creativity can make practice feel more like play.

Repetition is an important part of learning music, but it doesn't have to feel repetitive. Changing how your child practices can keep them interested while helping them strengthen the skills they're learning in class.

At Let's Play Music, we want children to develop a positive relationship with music. Here are some simple ways to “jazz it up!” at home.

Turn Repetition Into a Game

Sometimes children need to play a song or musical phrase several times to really learn it. Instead of simply asking them to play it again, turn those repetitions into a challenge.

🎲 Roll the Dice

Have your child roll a die to decide how many times they will play a song or musical phrase.

They might roll a 3 and play it three times—or roll a 6 and take on a bigger challenge!

The musical goal stays the same, but now repetition feels like a game.

🎯 Choose the Challenge

Let your child choose how they want to practice.

Maybe they'll play the song once very slowly, then once with their best performance voice. Giving children small choices can help them feel more involved in their own learning.

⏱️ Try a Different Tempo

Have your child practice a familiar section slowly and carefully, then try it at the appropriate tempo.

Changing the pace can make a familiar song feel new while encouraging children to listen carefully to how they are playing.

Change the Way You Play

You don't always have to practice a song in exactly the same way.

Try playful variations that still support the musical goal:

Play softly, then try a stronger sound.
Play a short section in slow motion.
Play one hand while a parent plays the other, when appropriate.
Try playing in a different octave when your teacher suggests it.
Have your child play while you listen and then switch roles.
Challenge your child to play a section with their best musical expression.

These little changes can make familiar practice feel fresh.

Add a Little Imagination

Children naturally love pretend play, so bring some imagination to the piano!

Ask your child to pretend they're performing on a big stage. Maybe they're playing for an audience, giving a concert to their stuffed animals, or teaching a family member how to play their favorite song.

You can even turn the living room into a concert hall.

The goal isn't a perfect performance. It's to help your child experience the piano as something exciting and enjoyable.

Make Practice a Family Activity

Practice doesn't always have to be something your child does alone.

Sit beside them and sing along. Take turns playing and listening. Have a sibling or grandparent be part of the audience.

You can even make a short family concert out of it.

These shared moments make practice feel less like a task and more like making music together.

Try Something Different Each Day

You don't need to use a new activity every time your child practices. Simply changing one small part of the session can keep things interesting.

For example:

Monday: Roll the dice to choose repetitions.

Tuesday: Practice one section slowly.

Wednesday: Play a duet with a parent.

Thursday: Perform the song for a family member.

Friday: Let your child choose their favorite practice game.

The musical skill you're working on can stay the same.

The way you practice it can change.

Keep the Fun Connected to the Learning

Playful practice works best when it still has a purpose.

If your child's teacher has assigned a particular song, rhythm, fingering pattern, or musical skill, use these ideas to help your child practice that assignment.

The goal isn't to distract from learning.

It's to make learning something your child wants to keep doing.

Research on children's musical practice shows that young musicians gradually develop the ability to plan, monitor, and take greater ownership of their practice. Giving children opportunities to make choices and actively participate can support that development.

Celebrate the Little Wins

Maybe your child played a difficult section correctly. Maybe they remembered a song without help. Maybe they simply sat down at the piano and gave it a try.

Celebrate those moments.

Children build confidence when they know that their effort matters. A positive experience today can make them more willing to practice again tomorrow.

Practice Doesn't Have to Be Perfect

Some days your child may be excited to practice.

Other days, they may need a little encouragement.

That's okay.

The goal of home practice isn't to create perfect musicians overnight. It's to give children regular opportunities to revisit what they're learning, experiment with music, and experience the satisfaction of getting better.

Sometimes, making practice more fun is as simple as changing the question from:

“How many times do you have to play it?”

to:

“How can we make the next time different?”

Those small changes can help children stay engaged while building musical skills, confidence, and a lasting love of making music.

Make Music Part of Everyday Life

At Let's Play Music, we believe children learn best when music is active, playful, and joyful. Home practice is an opportunity to continue that experience outside the classroom.

You don't need to be a professional musician to support your child's learning. You can roll the dice, join a duet, be the audience, or simply celebrate their progress.

A few playful minutes at the piano can make a meaningful difference.

References

McPherson, G. E., & Renwick, J. M. (2001). A longitudinal study of self-regulation in children's musical practice. Music Education Research, 3(2), 169–186.

Kopiez, R., Lehmann, A. C., & Wolf, A. (2014). The influence of deliberate practice on musical achievement: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 646.

National Association for Music Education. Early Childhood Music Education.