TIPS FOR MOTIVATING CHILDREN TO PRACTISE

• Chart with stickers for younger children may work well.
• Timer next to the piano.  Set for required time.  Parents check and write time in box on child's practise schedule.  Add stickers or rewards for good practise.
• Use counters.  Say to child - Anna wants you to practise this five times.  Put five counters in an egg cup.  Each time they practise they put the counter out.  Repeat for each song.  Seven time plus per song will really encourage improvement.  Five times will increase their confidence.
• 100 X GAME.  Practise one piece 100 times during the week.  The student keeps a record of how many times they have played on a piece of card or paper.  This type of practise really shows them that they will get so much better if they just keep repeating and repeating.  There could be a small reward at the end like a chocolate fish!
• Mini Concert - Ask your child to play a mini concert of their pieces each week for you for ten minutes.
• Listen to your child when they are practising.
• Think of practising as playing!  A change of perspective may help.
• Encourage and praise and expect the best.
• The Honour Roll - If they practise their name will go up on my board at the studio.
• Practise with other children.  Get involved in ensemble practise with Anna.  They have to be at a certain level to be able to participate.
• People who practise hard get to play at concerts and recitals.
• Some people who play really well can busk and earn lots of money.
• Goal Set - With an older child working towards exams can be a great incentive.
• Create a routine for practise.  Have a quiet inviting place for child to practise.
• Make sure child has everything they need to work well by themselves.  (guitar tuner, music stand, good lighting, a variety of books, foot stool, privacy etc)

If you look on the internet there are lots of sites that may be of interest to you.  Just Google search:

Motivating your child to practise

Practise tips

Etc