Free Resources to Support Home Practice
Updated: Sep 3
Over the past two weeks, I've been assisting students in resuming their practice routines. I've noticed feedback indicating that students who are typically enthusiastic or diligent during lessons tend to be less proactive at home, particularly when their parents remind them to practice. This doesn't surprise me; as a mother of a child learning two instruments, I share your experience and understand the challenges involved.
I sometimes create checklists for students I'm training to become more independent and accountable for their studies at home. I only do this when I feel a student is ready. Following a checklist is just one approach. I don't intend to micromanage their home practice at the piano, as I value exploration at the keyboard. Both structured and creative learning are important. Given the limited time I have with my students each week, and as I understand their capabilities better, I know they can gain more from effective learning. I call it effective practice or effective learning because learning to practice is a significant aspect of piano studies. It was a major part of my own studies with piano teachers. I believe establishing a proper routine when you begin playing is crucial, much like training an athlete with their warm-up routine. It's essential for piano practice. There are many ways to organize practice, and I don't stick to one routine all year. We often change it every few weeks to keep it fresh and engaging. Personalizing the learning plan is my job and expertise but parents can support by encouraging students to review the teacher's notes and follow the checklist if the child would like to avoid parental nagging which I am sure parents do not enjoy, as well.
Today, I want to offer some free resources by providing practice checklist templates that my students can easily access, print, and bring to lessons. This will help us develop a weekly practice plan and set realistic goals together. I completely understand that there are weeks when students can't accomplish everything; adults face the same challenge! Advance communication helps me as the teacher to plan the week to week lesson and homework load better as well.
Actually, checklists are not meant to be completed like a tedious task; rather, they are intended to encourage mindful time management and prioritization. They also help build trust, as I rely on my students to honestly check off tasks they have completed. With so much happening in life, it's important to assist our children in setting achievable goals and celebrating small achievements on the path to larger milestones.
Free Printable Resources:
PRACTICE CHECKLISTS - PRINTABLES
This is what students can bring to each lesson for me to fill out (blank template):
This is a weekly planner for piano practicing:
These are based on the student's years of learning/level (general recommended minutes of daily practice included):
BLANK STAFF LINE PAPER
These are blank staff line music sheets that students can print out for when we're working on melody composition or theory:
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