Key Sounds UK • July 24, 2023

What Should I Do if My Child is not Practicing their Piano?

Have you found yourself in a situation where your child is not practicing their piano? Here are some of our recommendations when this happens.


It's essential to approach the issue with understanding and patience. First and foremost, talk to your child about their feelings towards piano lessons. Find out if they are struggling with the instrument, feeling overwhelmed, or simply not interested. By understanding their perspective, you can address their concerns and find ways to make the piano practice more enjoyable for them. Remember that children may have different reasons for not practicing, and it's crucial to create a supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and emotions.

Consider exploring alternative approaches to practicing the piano that may engage your child more effectively. Traditional practice sessions can sometimes become monotonous and boring, leading to a lack of motivation. Encourage your child to experiment with different styles of music that they enjoy. Introduce them to piano arrangements of their favourite songs or find interactive apps and online platforms that offer gamified learning experiences. Additionally, consider incorporating fun activities like duets, improvisation, or even composing their own music. By diversifying the practice routine, you can reignite their enthusiasm for playing the piano and help them develop a deeper appreciation for music.


We recommend a consistent practice schedule to ensure you child continues to progress. In order to achieve this, it is important to set realistic goals and discuss them with your child. Together, create a practice plan that accommodates their other commitments and ensures regular piano sessions. Encourage them to set aside a specific time each day for practice and make it a priority. Additionally, offer your support and involvement during practice sessions. Sit with them, provide encouragement, and offer constructive feedback. Recognize and reward their efforts and achievements, reinforcing the importance of practice. By demonstrating your commitment and involvement, you can motivate your child to embrace regular piano practice as an enjoyable and fulfilling part of their routine.


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 Non-Musical Parents Can Check their Child is Progressing in their Piano Lessons

By Priyesh Vaghjiani • February 2, 2026
If you’ve ever had this thought, you’re not alone. Many parents tell us the same thing: “I want to support my child’s piano learning, but I don’t read music and I don’t play the piano so I’m not sure what I should be looking for.” Tip One: Notice How They Approach the Piano (Not Just What They Play) Progress doesn’t always sound obvious, especially in the early years. Instead of listening for “perfect notes,” try observing: Do they sit down more calmly and confidently than before? Do they begin playing with less hesitation? Do they seem clearer about where to place their hands? These small changes tell us a lot. They show growing familiarity, comfort, and confidence - foundations that matter far more than speed or difficulty at this stage. When practice feels easier or less emotional than it used to, that is progress. Tip Two: Capture Progress Through “Before vs After” Videos For non-musical parents, videos are one of the clearest ways to see progress over time. How to do it: Record your child playing a short piece or exercise Record the same piece again 5-6 lessons later (or when the teacher says it’s “finished”) You’re not looking for perfection. Instead, notice: Confidence: Are they more willing to start? Independence: Do they find their starting position faster? Flow: Are there fewer stops or restarts? Even small improvements matter especially in the first few years of learning. Keep these videos private. They’re not for comparison with others, they're a reminder of how far your child has come. Tip Three: Ask for One Clear “Checkpoint” to Look Out For Progress doesn’t always mean moving up a level or starting a new book. For younger learners, it often shows up as: Starting a piece without prompting Finding hand position independently Playing through without stopping Feeling confident playing for someone else A helpful question to ask the teacher is: “What’s one thing we should notice improving over the next few lessons?” This gives you clarity, keeps expectations realistic, and helps you support practice at home without pressure. A Reassuring Note for Parents Between ages 6–9, 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 rhythm. By observing small changes, celebrating milestones, and staying aligned with your child’s teacher, you’re already playing a vital role in their musical journey even if you’ve never played the piano yourself. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

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

January 16, 2026
“They’ve had a long day… should we still push through practice?” Many parents feel torn between supporting consistency and respecting their child’s energy levels especially during busy school weeks. The truth is: Tiredness doesn’t mean lack of commitment. It often means your child’s brain needs a different approach. Here’s how to handle it without guilt or pressure. It’s reasonable to adjust expectations when: Your child is overwhelmed with school or clubs They’re emotionally exhausted Concentration is unusually low Short, calm practice is far more valuable than long, frustrated sessions. Sometimes: 5 focused minutes beats 20 stressed ones Listening to a piece counts as engagement Talking about the lesson reinforces learning How Teachers Adapt During Busy Periods Good teachers expect fluctuations in energy. During tiring phases, lessons may focus more on: Confidence and comfort Reinforcing known material Gentle technical reminders Enjoyment and connection to music This doesn’t slow progress, it protects it. How Parents Can Communicate This Proactively One of the most helpful things you can say is: “It’s been a heavy week. Please let us know what’s realistic to focus on.” This allows the teacher to: Adjust expectations Support your child emotionally Keep progress aligned without pressure You’re not letting anyone down you’re advocating. What Matters Most Long-Term Children who feel supported (not pushed) are more likely to: Stick with lessons Build confidence Develop a healthy relationship with learning Music is a long journey - not a sprint. A Gentle Reminder for Parents Rest, flexibility, and understanding are not signs you are supporting them.  If you’re unsure how to balance tiredness with consistency, we’re always happy to help you find a rhythm that works for your family. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
More Posts