When your child doesn’t want to practise
Every child goes through phases of not wanting to practise, and it’s completely normal. Usually the answer isn’t to push harder, but to make the step smaller and turn it into a game.
Make the step smaller
If your child can’t actually do the thing yet, they probably won’t tolerate repeating it for long. Make the task easier so they can repeat something they can do, and build up from there. There’s more about this in How to practise with a young child.
Try a running commentary
Sometimes children go through a phase where they can’t accept instruction of any kind from their parent. This can be hard! But sometimes they will accept a running commentary. Perhaps they will play for you as long as you don’t ask them to do anything, and perhaps you can get away with reflecting (a lot) on what they are doing. Perhaps you could bring a few fluffy toy “children” along to listen. Maybe the fluffy toys are also learning music, then you can chat to them about what you’re seeing and whether they find that aspect difficult as well. Perhaps they can learn something from watching your child play. This could all be done without actually “asking” your child to do anything.
Let them do it both ways
Sometimes a child will do something the “wrong” way just because they can’t do it the “right” way and they don’t want to admit it! Tell them that they can choose which way to do it in the piece (for now), but you would like them to show you that they CAN play it both ways.
Let your child be the teacher
Children who resist being taught are often delighted to be the teacher instead. Let your child teach you (or a fluffy toy) whatever they are learning.
For a violin child who keeps wandering off
Write a secret note for them saying something nice like “I love spending time playing music with you”. Fold the note and get them to put their foot on it while they practise. If they can keep it covered till the end of the practice, they can read the note. If they leave it uncovered, you can take it away and they will never know what it said!
Change the scene
Violin children can play in different places. Play outside, or in a different room. Do the whole practice somewhere new or play one review piece in each place.
Talk to your teacher
If practice has become a battle, tell your teacher. Every family goes through this at some point, and adjusting the routine, the steps or the games is part of their job. You’ll find more game ideas on our Keeping practice fun page.
Online Suzuki lessons
At Katie Suzuki Music, children from age 3 learn Suzuki piano or violin one-to-one by live webcam lessons with a registered Suzuki teacher. Book a free 30-minute intro chat.