Practice and Progress Survey

Progress in music is very individual, but is also quite dependent on the amount of time devoted to it. In general, to progress at the rate of a level every 9 - 12 months, (typically fewer months for Primer, longer at more advanced levels) the following practice guidelines are recommended minimums (five to six days per week):

        Primer/Early Elementary                                                    15 minutes/day
        Level 1/Elementary                                                             20 minutes/day
        Level 2/Late Elementary                                                    30 minutes/day
        Level 3/Early Intermediate                                                45 minutes/day
        Level 4-5/Intermediate - Early Advanced                        50 minutes/day
        Advanced                                                                             60+ minutes/day 

CM Students may need some additional time for both practice and theory.

Of course, it is not only the number of minutes practiced, or repetitions performed, but the quality of practice, as discussed in the previous newsletters (and continuously at lessons). See The Practice Corner.

I recognize that many students are in multiple extracurricular activities, and have less time than that listed above easily available for piano practice. Sometimes, the answer is to look at time options, such as a few minutes before school. Practice does not have to be completed in one sitting each day. For others, the answer may be to change the practice expectation to a shorter amount of time. Hence, the reason for the survey.  

I would like to work with each family to determine what the parents’ and student’s goals are for piano study, and then to help meet those goals. If the goal is steady, reliable progress, and to be able to play intermediate repertoire within about four years, then the above practice schedule should be followed. However, I have heard from some families that the above goals are not reachable, and that what is wanted is a recreational, relaxed approach. If the goal is to be more relaxed, and to be content with a gentler rate of progress, then I will adjust the practice goals for that student accordingly.  

Some pros and cons of the two approaches:

The pros of more practice/better progress are:
     1.  Satisfaction in recognizable progress.
     2.  Playing is more fun with more practice, therefore pieces seem easier.
     3.  When playing is more fun, more practice occurs, leading to playing being more fun…
     4.  Students are more likely to stay in lessons long enough to become self-actualizing.

The cons of more practice/better progress are:
     1.  Students sometimes resist practice; even those that love the piano don’t love to practice every day.     Unfortunately, my father is not with us, or he would confirm this!
     2.  Parents are therefore sometimes put in the position of enforcer of practice time.
     3.  Students want to take a “break” from lessons to ease the commitment. The break may become many years long and lead to regret.  

The pros of the relaxed/recreational approach are:
     1.  Students feel no pressure and can think of music as fully a fun activity, never as work.
     2.  Students can opt to play only one or two “fun” pieces at a time.

The cons of the relaxed/recreational approach are:
     1.  Because progress is slow, boredom* sets in.
     2.  Even though we are in recreational mode, frustration sets in because of slow progress.  It’s hard for pieces to become “easy” if they are not played much.
     3.  Because of boredom and frustration, students want to take a “break” from lessons.
 

 * Note that boredom is much more likely to indicate trouble with pieces/progress than that the music is too easy/not challenging/not interesting.           
 

So what is the answer? Sometimes, it’s to switch back and forth between modes, to lighten up during periods of school stress or a particular sports season. Sometimes, it’s to take a break from the method books and focus on fun pieces from the student’s favorite music genre. Sometimes, it’s to accept periods of low practice without pulling the plug on lessons because of it. Ride it through. You’ll be glad you did. Keep in touch. Let me know if frustration is setting in or if practice expectations need to be altered.  

An important, not to be overlooked part of keeping students playing music and interested in lessons is to be involved in your child’s practice. Whether or not you play piano or any other instrument, you can be a great help by simply listening to their playing. Make practice time, at least occasionally, a family affair. Right after the week’s lesson, ask to hear the new pieces. Point out that lesson day, or the next day, is the best time to complete the theory assignment. Look through their assignment books. Sit in on a lesson from time to time. 

Please continue this communication by taking a few minutes to share your thoughts in the contact box below. I have provided some questions that you may use as a guide. Through your feedback, I can tailor a program that is right for your child at the current time, and we can alter it as other factors come into play. I always appreciate hearing from you.

Please call if you would like to schedule meetings (phone or in person) to discuss progress and goals.

Parent Survey

• ​How do you feel about the amount of work assigned? Too much; too little; just right?
• Do you feel your child is currently practicing the way and the amount that you would like to see? If not, what changes would you like?
• Which type of practice goals (ones geared toward continual, steady improvement, or more relaxed, with limited time required) would you prefer be set for your child?
• What number of days/week can have time set aside for piano?
• Goals for lessons may have changed since we last discussed them. What are your (and your child's) goals for piano lessons?