PPP 367: I Don’t Know What to Practice!

1. Building the Habit

• Kids — especially beginners — may not naturally see the value of practicing daily.

• Try “age × 3” minutes as a guideline (e.g. a 5‑year‑old aims for ~15 minutes total).

• Practice sessions can be split across the day (morning, after school, etc.).

• It’s the parent’s job (in partnership with the teacher) to help train the habit.

2. The Practice Sandwich

• Start with something fun / familiar to warm up

• Then tackle a tricky bit (a few measures, a weak spot)

• Finish again with something encouraging or enjoyable

• This sequence helps with motivation and momentum

3. Interleaved / Goal‑Oriented Practice

• Instead of repeating one piece over and over, mix several pieces or sections

• Move between pieces (or segments) rather than “drilling” one spot endlessly

• Helps brain retention and prevents mental fatigue

• Especially useful for intermediate students juggling multiple pieces

• Learn more about Interleaved Practice in episode 213

4. Expect Some Ugly Practice

• Not every session will feel inspired

• Some sessions are “just the work” — playing through, doing what you can

• Compare it to daily habits like reading or eating — sometimes it’s simple and routine

• Celebrate the small wins, and don’t let imperfect practice discourage you

5. Motivation Tools & “Eat the Frog”

• Sometimes the hardest part is getting started

• Use incentives: sticker charts, earned screen time, small rewards

• Do the “hard part” first (the tricky section) while energy is fresh

• Then let the rest of practice be more relaxed

6. PIANOVEMBER Practice Challenge

• www.PIANOVEMBER.com

• Runs November 1–30

• Open to all — free, no cost, worldwide

• Participants log practice tallies (every piece you play, every time you play it)

• LIve Leaderboard!!

• Special daily prompts (e.g. Nov 6 = Saxophone Day → some saxophone’s have 23 keys – collect 23 practice tallies)

• Goal (collectively): 50,000 practice tallies

Useful Links / Resources:

• Previous episode on interleaved practice (PPP213)

• Downloadable Practice Calendar / Tallies → www.PIANOVEMBER.com

• Contact & feedback: shelly@pianoparentpodcast.com

• Instagram: @PianoParentPodcast

Closing Thoughts:

• The best practice isn’t always perfect, but it’s consistent.

• Use small steps (like a one‑ or five‑minute rule) to get into the habit.

• Use structure (sandwich, mixed practice) to make sessions more effective.

• Don’t let technical frustrations or “ugly practice” days rob you of progress.

• Join the PIANOVEMBER practice challenge with your student — being part of a community makes practice more fun.

Thank you for listening, piano parents. You are making a difference just by encouraging your student, by showing up, by helping them sit down at the piano. I see you. I’m grateful. I’ll talk to you again soon.

Listener Shoutout:

A big thank you to Karen — a fellow Texas teacher and listener — who reached out asking for clarity about the “five‑minute rule.” After digging back into past episodes, I confirmed that it’s not really a rule, but a helpful mental tool to get started. (Thanks, Karen!)

If you have a question, a suggestion, or want to be a guest on the show, email me at shelly@pianoparentpodcast.com or DM me on Instagram at @PianoParentPodcast.