1. Find a spot in the house and make it the “Practice Room.” Whether it’s an area in the bedroom, the office or the basement, having a dedicated space for practice will keep things from getting lost and will allow for quick set-up.
2. Dedicate a time each day for practice. Adding instrument practice into the homework routine is a great way to minimize arguments. This also helps to keep practicing from “bothering” siblings while they are trying to do their own work.
3. Use a metronome or clap the beat for your child. Musician’s need a steady beat to practice correctly. Especially when starting out, it is difficult to do this on your own. There are many free metronome apps and websites or you can get involved and clap a steady beat for your child!
4. Have your child perform for you. Showing you are interested in their instrument will encourage them to be more interested in practicing. Have a weekly performance, where your child picks one song they worked on all week and performs it before dinner for the family. With the holidays approaching, short performances for extended family are fun as well! Maybe there is a cousin who plays an instrument too and they can play together!

   Not only does practicing count for a grade on the Practice Log, but it is the only way your child will improve. With frequent practice, concepts and skills will be remembered by your child and slowly, but surely, that squeaking and honking will turn into music that you will look forward to hearing throughout the house.