Crafting a Practice Nest: How to Motivate Your Child's Musical Journey

Picture your primary workspace - it's filled with your favorite coffee cup, perhaps some plants, cherished photographs, and various office supplies. You've personalized it with things that bring you comfort and joy. At my own desk, I've added a few quirky items, like a kitty cat sticky note dispenser and a flamingo Beanie Boo, simply because they make me smile. Why? Because I spend a lot of time at my desk, it should be a pleasant place to work.

If you want your child to enjoy practicing their instrument, their practice space should also be inviting and meaningful to them. Whether they play in the living room, a cozy corner, or in their bedroom, it's crucial to create a space that encourages their commitment to practice.

7 Tips for Crafting the Perfect Practice Nest

1) Audience Ready

Ensure there's an extra chair nearby, even a folding one if the space is tight. This encourages your child to perform for you or others. It's also handy when you want to sit and help them. After all, easy access is key to your involvement.

2) Personalize

Let your child decorate their practice area with items they love - family photos, favorite toys, or anything reflecting their interests. Even if space is limited, give them some ownership over it. Find a small table or cabinet for their belongings if needed.

3) Stock Up

Keep essential office supplies handy, like pencils, highlighters, and tape flags. Musicians often mark their music, so these tools are vital. Plus, they're great for circling or highlighting tricky spots in their music.

4) Charged Up

Ensure there's a device charger nearby. A dying laptop or drained smartphone during an online lesson can disrupt practice. Having a charger close eliminates that excuse.

5) Track It

Hang up a practice chart. Visual reminders of their commitment are satisfying, and you can use stickers to count the days practiced. It's a fun way to stay involved in their practice.

6) Location Matters

Consider relocating their instrument to a well-lit and welcoming spot. Avoid placing it where competing noise from TVs or appliances could be distracting. Good lighting and a comfortable temperature can make a significant difference.

7) Take a Seat

Invest in a comfortable bench or chair. No one wants to practice on an uncomfortable seat. Ensure it's the right height and that their posture is correct. For piano, their forearms should parallel the floor, and their feet should rest flat.

Creating a welcoming and well-stocked practice nest can significantly impact your child's motivation to practice. Working on these upgrades together strengthens your involvement in their musical journey. Parental support is vital to a child's long-term success in learning music. You don't need to be a musician to make a meaningful contribution. Subscribe to this blog for more tips on building a solid partnership with your child as they explore the world of music.

Ready to get started? Download our free guide with these 7 tips.