Real Talk from Two Piano Teacher Moms: Making Practice Work in Your Busy Home
- Lani Lammoglia
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Let's be honest—we're two busy moms, both piano teachers, and even in our house, practice time isn't always picture-perfect. Some days nobody wants to practice. Other days, both kids suddenly want the piano at the exact same time. We've had practices interrupted by sibling arguments, practices that sound more like chaos than music, and yes, even days when practice just doesn't happen at all.
But here's what we want you to know: that's completely normal, and you're doing better than you think.
Your Role as a Practice Partner
As a parent, you're not just a chauffeur to music lessons—you're a crucial partner in your child's musical development. Your role is to help establish the routine, maintain consistency, and most importantly, focus on progress rather than perfection.
Remember: every professional musician, from concert pianists to rock stars, started exactly where your child is now. The difference isn't talent—it's the discipline to show up every day, even when it's hard, even when progress feels slow.
Quick Guide for Parents & Students
Our Core Philosophy
Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones!
Recommended Practice Times by Age
The Golden Rule
Practice RIGHT AFTER your lesson while everything is fresh in your mind!
This is when students remember exactly what their teacher showed them and can reinforce the learning immediately.
Quick Practice Tips & Tricks
WHAT to Practice:
Start with warm-ups or scales (2-3 minutes)
Review songs from your lesson
Work on the most challenging part first
End with a song you enjoy playing
HOW to Make it Stick:
Set a timer - keeps practice focused and achievable
Practice at the same time daily - builds routine
Use a practice chart - visual progress is motivating
Celebrate small wins - completed songs, mastered sections
Parent Support Strategies:
Sit nearby during practice (especially for younger students)
Ask "What did you learn in your lesson today?"
Praise effort over perfection
Help them stick to the 5-day schedule
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Cramming practice into one long session before the lesson
Practicing when tired or distracted
Skipping the "boring" technical work
Expecting perfection immediately
Remember: Consistency Beats Intensity
5 days of focused 10-minute practice will always beat one 50-minute marathon session!
The Long View: Building Lifelong Musicians
Learning to play an instrument is one of the most rewarding challenges your child will ever undertake. It teaches patience, discipline, problem-solving, and creativity—skills that extend far beyond music into every area of life.
The most important gift you can give your young musician isn't expensive equipment or advanced lessons—it's the structure and encouragement to practice consistently. When children learn that small, daily efforts compound into remarkable achievements, they're learning a life lesson that will serve them in academics, relationships, and future careers.
Some days the practice will feel effortless and joyful. Other days, it will feel like work, a LOT of work! Both are normal, and both are valuable. Your job is to help them show up regardless of how they feel, because that's where true musical discipline—and musical magic—is born.
Ready to start building better practice habits?
Remember: every expert was once a beginner,
and every professional musician has days when practice feels challenging. The difference is they've learned to trust the process and show up consistently.
Your child's musical journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Help them take it one practice session at a time.
You Don't Have to Do This Alone!
As fellow parent-musicians, we know how overwhelming it can feel to support your child's musical growth while managing everything else on your plate. The good news? You don't have to figure this out by yourself.
If you'd like to partner with us in your child's music journey, we'd love to offer you a FREE online lesson to get started. Whether you're just beginning or looking to improve your current practice routine, we're here to help you and your child succeed—chaos, sibling fights, and all!
We're here to help you every step of the way. Let's make beautiful music together, one practice session at a time.
Ready to see what online lessons can really be? Book a free trial lesson today and experience the difference for yourself!
Join Our Musical Family!
Want more ideas for making the most of practice time ? Or maybe you're a parent looking for tips to support your little musician between virtual piano lessons?
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