It Doesn't Even Feel Like Practicing
I have a treasured friend who plays the piano beautifully -- even effortlessly. I remember her as the one early in 3rd grade who could already play the piano well with BOTH hands! As our friendship grew and I spent time with her more frequently, I discovered that practicing the piano for her wasn't the chore it was for me. In fact, I think she viewed it as her hobby, entertaining herself by challenging herself to conquer the tricky parts in a song.
Over the years and throughout high school, I also observed that when I stopped by her house to hang out or pick her up to go somewhere, she was often at the piano ... going over a few things while she waited for me to arrive. It appeared that practice for her wasn't just a time set aside to trudge through her lessons. Practice time came along all the time -- five minutes here, 10 minutes there. I can see how she became musically accomplished -- happily -- because she kept brain (and her attitude) fresh through these small, frequent repetitions.
Maybe this would work in your home with your busy life. Consider this (or some similar variation):
Son: "Hey Mom! Spencer and I are going to his house to play basketball. Can I? Can I?"
Mom: "Sounds great... And on your way out, see how fast you can play all the F's on the piano!"
Who knows, with Spencer looking over his shoulder, he might play his C's too! ;)
Over the years and throughout high school, I also observed that when I stopped by her house to hang out or pick her up to go somewhere, she was often at the piano ... going over a few things while she waited for me to arrive. It appeared that practice for her wasn't just a time set aside to trudge through her lessons. Practice time came along all the time -- five minutes here, 10 minutes there. I can see how she became musically accomplished -- happily -- because she kept brain (and her attitude) fresh through these small, frequent repetitions.
Maybe this would work in your home with your busy life. Consider this (or some similar variation):
Son: "Hey Mom! Spencer and I are going to his house to play basketball. Can I? Can I?"
Mom: "Sounds great... And on your way out, see how fast you can play all the F's on the piano!"
Who knows, with Spencer looking over his shoulder, he might play his C's too! ;)
