How Much Should My Child Practice?

(From our October newsletter)

🎻 How Much Should My Child Practice? 
(Deep Thoughts, by Jessica)

It’s the question I get asked all the time — and the truth is, there is no “right” number of minutes or days per week. Practice has to work for your family and your kid.

This information is meant to compliment our mission to foster personal growth and belonging through youth-centered musical development. We help young people become better community members—music is our vehicle. Now, if your child clearly is the next Lindsey Stirling or Yo-Yo Ma, then a regiment is key (and eventually a great manager). Skip the following and go practice.

In our house (yes, even with two musician parents), my boys still moan about practice. But over time, that resistance has softened. They now know what to do, how to do it, and that consistency—however imperfect—makes a real difference.

For reference, my 6th grader practices about 10 minutes at a time, and my 8th grader around 20. We aim for four days a week and often hit three. Between sports, school, friends, and family life, and yes—video games—that’s what it looks like for us right now.

The key isn’t how much you practice—it’s building something sustainable. Teachers’ suggestions are great guides, but every family’s rhythm is unique. Age matters, too. For children under 10, a little parental involvement goes a long way. Even if you don’t play music, you can still help:

• Set a routine: Pick a regular time that fits your day.
• Be present: Show interest. Listen in. Ask what parts they like best!
• Check notes: Help your child follow their teacher’s practice guide.
• Celebrate effort: Praise consistency and attitude, over perfection.
  “I love how you kept going even when that part was tricky!” - “I heard you find the right note that time!”
• Make it playful: Turn short practices into creative goals.
  • Mini concerts for the family (or stuffed animals).
  • Simple prompts. “Try it again loud/soft/plucked/on one foot/backwards.”
  • Add stickers or marbles for each practice, and celebrate when the jar’s full!
  • Ask what the song reminds them of and encourage expressing their imagination.
  • Keep the beat by clapping or humming along while they play.
  • Set a timer for 1-3 minutes and see how much they can improve one tricky spot. Celebrate the focus more than the result!
  • Have them “teach” you something on the instrument—they love being the expert, and explaining helps reinforce their learning.
  • Encourage improvising or composing original music on their instrument.
  
  

And when your child doesn’t feel like practicing? Totally normal. Feelings come and go, but they don’t have to be the boss. Each time we choose to play even when it’s hard, we’re building two things: musical skill and mental strength. That’s discipline—and it carries over to everything from school to sports to life.

Here’s a secret (thanks, scientists): motivation usually shows up after you start. So don’t wait for the perfect mood. Pick up the instrument, play a few notes, and let the spark return.

Tiny moments of focus add up to big growth. Keep nurturing that spark!