8 Proven Strategies to Get Your Teen Practising Their Instrument

As a parent investing in your teen’s musical education, you want to ensure they’re making the most of their lessons. But getting teenagers to practise their instruments consistently can be a challenge.

How Do I Get My Teen Children To Practise Their Instruments?

This guide offers practical strategies to help you encourage your teen’s musical journey without turning it into a source of conflict.

1. Find Intrinsic Motivation

Help your teens find personal reasons to practise by connecting the instrument to something they care about. If they enjoy a certain style of music or admire a musician, encourage them to learn songs they like. This taps into their intrinsic motivation—doing something because they genuinely enjoy it.

Example: “What songs do you like? Maybe we can find sheet music for that!”

2. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make practice more approachable. Encourage them to practise for short, regular intervals rather than long, occasional sessions. These small victories can help them feel more accomplished.

Example: “Can you try just 10 minutes today working on this one song? Then you can play something fun afterward.”

3. Create a Routine

Incorporate practice into their daily routine to make it a habit rather than a task. Work with your teens to find a time that fits their schedule, like right after school or before they unwind in the evening.

Example: “What time works best for you to fit in 15 minutes of practice each day?”

4. Make It Social

Encourage them to play with friends, join a band, or perform for family gatherings. The social aspect creates an extra layer of motivation beyond just practising alone.

Example: “Maybe you and your friend could play together? It could be fun to work on something as a team!”

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate their progress rather than focusing on the negatives of not practising. Offer praise or rewards for improvements and milestones to reinforce good habits and boost their confidence.

Example: “That song sounded great! You’ve improved so much. How about we celebrate once you nail that tricky part?”

6. Give Them Autonomy

Give teens more control over their practice, allowing them to choose what they want to work on or explore creatively. Autonomy can make them feel more invested in their musical journey.

Example: “You can choose which pieces you want to work on this week. Let me know if you need any help.”

7. Frame Practice as Progress, Not Perfection

Emphasize that practice is about steady progress, not perfection. Reframe mistakes as part of the learning process, and encourage patience.

Example: “Learning takes time, and every bit of practice is moving you forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it right away.”

8. Incorporate Technology

Introduce apps and online resources that make practice more engaging. Some apps gamify practice sessions, track progress, or offer feedback, which can appeal to tech-savvy teens.

Example: “Have you tried using an app like Yousician? It makes practice feel more like a game!”

Conclusion

Encouraging your teen to practise their instrument requires a delicate balance of support, structure, and autonomy. By implementing these strategies, you can help shift your teen’s mindset from feeling like they have to practise to feeling like they want to. Remember, the goal is to foster a love for music that will last a lifetime.

Practical Summary:

• Connect practice to music they enjoy
• Set achievable daily goals
• Establish a consistent practice routine
• Encourage playing with friends or in groups
• Praise effort and progress
• Let them choose what to practise
• Focus on improvement, not perfection
• Use technology to make practice fun

FAQ

1. Q: How long should my teen practice each day? A: The ideal practice time varies, but consistency is key. Start with 15-20 minutes daily and gradually increase as they become more engaged.
2. Q: What if my teen wants to quit their instrument? A: Before allowing them to quit, explore the reasons behind their desire. Try implementing the strategies in this article to reignite their interest.
3. Q: Should I sit with my teen during practice? A: While supervision can be helpful, giving your teen autonomy is important. Offer support when needed, but allow them space to develop their own practice habits.
4. Q: How can I help my teen manage practice time with other commitments? A: Work together to create a schedule that balances music practice with other activities. Emphasize the importance of time management skills.
5. Q: What if my teen prefers to play by ear instead of reading music? A: Both skills are valuable. Encourage a balance between playing by ear and reading music, as this will make them a more well-rounded musician.