What’s so special about back to school piano practice? Well, a lot of kids (and adults) are side-tracked by summer fun and activities and are taking a break from practicing the piano.
And after a few weeks or even months of time-out, getting back into a regular practice routine can be a challenge.
So what to do? I’ll focus on tips for kids, but they apply to adults too, at least in modified form…
Focus on Having Fun
The first thing you should focus on is having fun! Sure, a few scales and other practice items are always good to do. But make an effort to find pieces that your young piano student will really enjoy! In fact, you as an older piano student should follow the same principle.
Ask your teacher for some helpful advice. He or she can recommend pieces at the proper level. Pieces that are too challenging are not ideal for back to school piano practice.
Right now, with Halloween coming up, you may enjoy my article on Spooky Piano Tunes! It may give you some ideas for fun pieces to select. And, of course, with the holidays coming up, there will be plenty of music to choose from to get your young students engaged. I might even write an article with some recommendations!
Keep That Piano Tuned
To ensure that back to school piano practice is really enjoyable, your piano has to be in tune. It will be very frustrating to spend time practicing only to hear sour notes from that family piano. This can demotivate even the most enthusiastic student.
So don’t let that happen. If your piano is even slightly out of tune, be sure to call your trusty Richmond Piano Tuner. Make an appointment to get your piano tuned as soon as possible. Your student and the entire family will thank you.
The best part? Right now is the perfect time for tuning pianos. It’s fall, and the weather is relatively moderate, so the tuning will hold well. After the hot and humid summer, the piano may no longer sound its best. And you want to make sure it will be in good shape. This is important for your student or students, and also for the upcoming holiday season.
Back to School Piano Practice Trouble Shooting
Between the two tips above, we’ve already covered the two main points to ensure that your or your child’s back to school piano practice is successful. With piano music you enjoy and your piano sounding great, playing your piano and practicing your tunes will be a joy.
There’s one more thing you may want to keep in mind though… And that’s prevention of problems…
Next time summer rolls around, don’t stop playing. Sure, you can cut back a bit. And you can let your kid off the hook for short periods of time too. But make sure that they play at least once or twice a week, consistently. That way, they won’t get out of practice, and back to school piano practice won’t be such a big deal. In fact, they will look forward to learning new tunes.
And if you’re able to keep the piano lessons going throughout the summer, so much the better. You know from bitter experience how kids forget so much during the summer. The same is true with playing the piano, if not more so.
Why Regular Piano Practice Is Important
Playing the piano is serious practice for the fingers and the coordination of the movements with what’s seen on the sheet music. As you know, a passionate runner wouldn’t stop running for 3 or 4 months and expect to be in shape when he or she starts running again.
The same is true for playing the piano. Taking an extended break from playing will have a similar effect. The fingers will be out of shape and will have to start with lots and lots of practicing of old stuff. And who wants that?
So make sure to avoid extended breaks in practice time, get that piano tuned and find fun music to play, and your back to school piano practice will be a full success!
Of course you know you can call (or text) me at 804-677-2416 to reserve your spot for getting your piano tuned to ensure happy playing!
Oh, and please visit my Southern Piano Service Facebook page and like it 🙂