KeySounds UK • March 4, 2024

Three Ways to Create a Piano Practice Routine Whilst You Have School Exams

Creating a piano practice routine while balancing school exams can be challenging but manageable with some effective strategies. Here are three ways to structure your practice routine during exam periods:


1.     Time Blocking:


Allocate specific time slots for piano practice in your daily schedule. Prioritize your study sessions for exams and then designate blocks of time for piano practice around those commitments.

Aim for short, focused practice sessions rather than long, exhaustive ones. Even 15-30 minutes of concentrated practice can be highly effective.


Consider practicing early in the morning or late at night when distractions are minimal, and your mind is fresh.


2.     Set Clear Goals:


Identify specific musical goals you want to achieve during the exam period. This could include mastering a particular piece, improving technical skills, or memorizing a challenging section.

Break down these goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance, if you're working on a piece, focus on mastering one or two measures each day.


Prioritize the most critical aspects of your piano playing that require improvement and focus your practice efforts on those areas.


3.     Incorporate Efficient Practice Techniques:


Practice smart by employing efficient techniques such as chunking, slow practice, and targeted exercises. Chunking involves breaking down music into smaller sections and mastering them individually before integrating them into the whole piece.


Use practice tools such as metronomes and recording devices to enhance your practice sessions. Metronomes can help you maintain a steady tempo, while recording yourself allows you to assess your progress objectively.


Make use of downtime between study sessions or during breaks to review music theory concepts or listen to recordings of pieces you're learning, reinforcing your understanding and familiarity with the music.


Remember to be flexible with your practice routine and adapt it based on your exam schedule and other commitments. Consistency is key, even if it means practicing for shorter durations during busy periods. Additionally, ensure that you're getting enough rest and relaxation to avoid burnout during this demanding time.


If you wish to know more about these hacks and resources, feel free to take a look around our website or connect with us directly!

How Long Should Piano Lessons Take to "Work

January 23, 2026
“We’ve been doing lessons for a while… but how do I know if it’s actually working?” This is one of the most common and completely valid questions parents ask themselves, especially if they’re not musical. Progress in piano doesn’t always look or sound obvious in the early stages. Unlike some activities, results aren’t instant and that can feel worrying when you’re investing time, money, and emotional energy into your child’s learning. The reassuring news? Most healthy musical progress happens quietly before it becomes obvious. Here’s what to realistically expect over time and when not to worry. What Progress Often Looks Like around 3-6 Months(if they began as a beginner) At this stage, progress is mostly about settling in. You might notice: Your child feels more comfortable sitting at the piano They recognise lesson routines They’re starting to listen more carefully, even if notes aren’t perfect What’s normal here: Hesitation Needing reminders and support This isn’t slow progress, it's foundation-building. What Progress Often Looks Like at 7-12 Months This is when progress becomes clearer to most parents. You may notice: Greater independence Less hesitation when playing Improved posture and focus Pride in what they can play Not every child is ready for grades at this stage and that’s perfectly fine.Your child is learning how to learn and that skill takes time. Strong foundations now often lead to faster, more confident progress later. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

What to Do When Your Child Is Too Tired for Piano Practice

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How to Spot Piano Progress as a Non-Musical Parent

January 12, 2026
Many parents tell us the same thing: “I want to support my child’s piano learning but I’m not musical, so I don’t know what to look for.” The truth is, you don’t need to read music or play the piano to be a huge part of your child’s progress. What matters most is how you observe, encourage and communicate, not your musical knowledge. Here are three simple, practical ways to stay involved and confident. 1️. Sit In on Lessons (Even Occasionally) You don’t need to attend every lesson -just sitting in from time to time can make a big difference. When you observe a lesson, you begin to notice: How your child is guided to sit and place their hands How the teacher breaks tasks into small, achievable steps The language and cues your child responds to Sit in for 10-15 minutes once every few weeks. This is to absorb rather than to assess. This helps you support practice at home using the same language the teacher uses. 2. Record a “Before vs After” Video One of the clearest ways to see progress - especially for non-musical parents - is through short videos. How it works: Record your child playing a song or exercise Then record the same song or exercise 5–6 lessons later, or on the day the teacher says it’s “finished” You’re not looking for perfection. Instead, notice small but meaningful changes: Confidence: Do they sit more comfortably and start playing more willingly? Hand position: Do they find their starting position more quickly? Flow: Are there fewer pauses or gaps in the music? Even tiny improvements are signs of progress - especially at this stage of learning Keep the video private. This isn’t for comparison with others - it’s simply a reminder of how far your child has come. 3. Set Simple Checkpoint Goals With the Teacher Progress doesn’t always mean “moving up a level”. For younger learners, it often shows up in skills and habits. Setting small checkpoint goals helps you know what to look out for at home. Examples of helpful checkpoint goals: “Starting the piece without help” “Finding hand position independently” “Playing through without stopping” “Feeling confident playing for someone else” Ask the teacher: “What’s one thing we should notice improving over the next few lessons?” This gives you clarity and keeps expectations realistic. A Reassuring Note for Parents At ages 6–8, piano progress is often gradual and subtle and that’s exactly how it should be. Confidence, comfort at the keyboard, and smoother transitions are just as important as notes and rhythms. By observing, recording small milestones, and staying aligned with the teacher, you’re already playing a vital role in your child’s musical journey even if you’ve never played a note yourself.  If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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