Reshmi Patel • February 8, 2021

Five Top Tips to Boost Your Piano Practice

As we have all experienced at some point, piano practice can sometimes feel confusing and difficult to stick to on a consistent basis. In times like this it’s important that we come together and share our music with one another.

Last week we collaborated with Tom Hawkins, a highly experienced and passionate Piano Teacher based in Sheffield. We met Tom on one of our piano teacher development courses and have ventured into a path where we would like to educate students and parents about piano practice.

Top tips you can implement into your piano journey to support your practice:


1.     Hooking your piano practice to an existing part of your routine.


Choose an activity that you carry out everyday and use this as your cue to practice your instrument. Some examples may be: brushing your teeth, eating breakfast or getting dressed. This can avoid you forgetting to practice.


2.     Seating position


Aim to use a chair which can remain stationary whilst you play or a piano stool. This can allow you to plant your feet firmly on the floor and sit upright with your arm at a relaxed 90-degree angle.



The correct posture can create ease and strength in your playing as you can play with more power and have more freedom to shift from one side of the keys to another as and when you need to.

Caption: Image of the correct posture and seating position


3.     Listening to music



‘Active listening’ we have broken up into two branches, one way is to listen with headphones in to fully immerse yourself in the experience of listening to the music including listening out for chords, rhythms and melodies you enjoy/dislike the sound of. An alternative method can be to listen to your piece or section of a piece before trying it out yourself on the piano.


‘Passively listening’ is when you have music playing in the background whilst you are carrying out another activity, for example: whilst you are getting ready in the morning you listen to music. The section of the brain which is activate when we are learning music is activated both when we are actively and passively listening to music. Over time musicians who listen to music will pick up rhythms and spot patterns a lot faster using this method regularly. 

4.     Making piano practice easy


Aim to leave your music on the stand and decide in advance what and when you will practice playing a particular piece or exercise. This saves a lot of energy and time which could be used in your piano practice session.


5.     Accountability and encouragement


For our younger students we recommend parents ask their children questions which can encourage them to reflect as well as gain a better understanding of where piano stands in their lives.



For adult students we recommend asking a friend, family member or a community of musicians which you may be apart of to hold you accountable to your goals. 

Here are some examples for those who are holding a piano player accountable could ask:


-        ‘What did you learn in your piano lesson today?’

-        ‘Did you find the piece or exercise you played tricky?’

-        ‘Do you have a particular song you would like to learn on the piano?’

-        ‘Which question could you ask you teacher in your next piano lesson?’


If you missed our Facebook Live, feel free to catch the replay over on our Facebook Page here: https://fb.watch/3qnQAuUX02/


Remember that when you are trying out these hacks to look at them little and often but also be patient with yourself. 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.


To find out more, feel free to get involved in our latest project “The Habits of the Top Performing Piano Players”, fill out our survey: https://bit.ly/2FDs8rf For your chance to win a Nintendo DS Lite or a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher.

From First Note to First Performance_ A Gentle Guide to Your Child's Piano Journey

April 27, 2026
Starting piano lessons is an exciting milestone, but it’s completely normal for parents to wonder what the journey will actually look like. Questions like “How long before they play a song?” or “When will they be ready to perform?” often come up early on. The truth is, every child’s journey is unique but there are some helpful stages you can expect along the way. In the beginning, lessons focus on building familiarity and confidence. Younger beginners (typically from age 4-5+) start by exploring the keyboard, understanding simple rhythms, and developing coordination. Within the first few weeks, many children can play short, recognisable patterns and within a few months, they often begin playing simple songs. These early wins are incredibly important, as they build motivation and a sense of achievement. As your child progresses, you’ll notice a shift. It’s no longer just about playing notes, but about playing with control, expression, and understanding. This is when pieces become more musical, and students start to take pride in how they sound, not just what they play. Around this stage, many children are also introduced to performance opportunities, which help develop confidence and stage presence in a supportive environment. Performing doesn’t have to feel intimidating. In fact, when introduced at the right time, it becomes something children look forward to. Whether it’s a small group setting or a larger concert, these moments help students grow not only as musicians, but as confident individuals who can share their achievements with others. Actionable ways you can support your child through each stage: Focus on enjoyment in the early stages Keep things light and positive - enthusiasm at the start builds long-term commitment Create a simple routine at home A consistent time (even 5-10 minutes) helps piano feel like a natural part of the week Encourage “show and tell” moments Ask your child to perform for you at home - this builds confidence before formal performances Avoid comparing progress to others Every child develops at their own pace, and confidence grows best without pressure Celebrate milestones beyond songs For example: improved focus, smoother playing, or remembering pieces independently Over time, what starts as a few simple notes grows into something much more meaningful. By the time your child reaches their first performance, it’s not just about playing a piece, it's about confidence, resilience, and pride in their progress. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

What Most Parents Miss About Piano Progress And How to Support It at Home

April 20, 2026
When your child starts piano lessons, one of the most natural questions is: “How will I know if they’re actually progressing?”’ Especially if you’re not musical yourself. It’s a completely valid concern, and one we hear often. Many parents expect progress to look like playing full songs quickly or moving through grades at speed. While those can be part of the journey, real progress is often happening in quieter, less obvious ways. In the early stages, progress looks like small but meaningful shifts. Your child might begin to recognise patterns in music, correct their own mistakes, or play with more control and confidence week by week. These are powerful signs of development even if the piece itself hasn’t dramatically changed. In fact, these foundations are what allow students to play more advanced music later on with ease and enjoyment. Another important part of progress is consistency. Children thrive on routine, and regular lessons (alongside small amounts of practice at home) help build momentum. When lessons are spaced out or missed, it’s not that progress stops but it can slow down. This is why maintaining a steady routine, even during busy periods, makes such a noticeable difference over time. Actionable ways you can support your child at home: Ask simple, encouraging questions Instead of focusing on “getting it right”, try: “can you show me what you improved this week?” Celebrate effort, not just results Confidence grows when children feel proud of trying - not just perfect playing Use lesson reports or teacher feedback - these give you clear insight into what your child is working on and why it matters Keep practice short and consistent. Even 5-10 minutes, a few times a week, is far more effective than long, irregular sessions Look out for subtle progress signs Such as smoother playing, fewer pauses, better posture, or increased focus Over time, these small wins build into something much bigger, not just the ability to play the piano, but increased confidence, independence, and a genuine enjoyment of music. And that’s when parents often say, “I didn’t realise how much they were actually progressing until now.” If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

Exams, Theory & Playing for Enjoyment_ Finding the Right Path for Your Child in Piano Lessons

April 14, 2026
One of the most common questions parents ask is whether their child should follow exams, focus on playing for enjoyment, or do a mix of both. It can feel like an important decision especially if you’re unsure what each route involves. The reassuring news is that there isn’t one “correct” path. The best approach is the one that keeps your child engaged, motivated, and progressing with confidence. Piano exams, such as ABRSM, can provide structure and clear goals. They help students develop discipline, technique, and a sense of achievement. Alongside practical exams, theory (including Grade 5 Theory) supports a deeper understanding of music, which becomes increasingly important as students advance. However, exams are just one part of a much bigger picture. Many children begin by learning pieces they enjoy - often songs they recognise - which helps build a strong emotional connection to music. This is particularly important in the early stages, where enjoyment drives consistency. As students grow in confidence, some naturally transition into exams, while others continue developing through performances, repertoire building, and personal goals. Rather than choosing between “fun” and “structure”, the most effective approach often combines both. A balanced journey allows children to enjoy what they play, while also developing the skills needed for long-term progress. This flexibility is what helps students stay motivated over the years, rather than feeling pressured or disengaged. Actionable ways you can support your child’s learning path: Follow your child’s interest first If they’re excited about a particular song, use that as a starting point for learning Have open conversations with their teacher Ask about the right timing for exams rather than rushing into them Understand that theory develops gradually It’s often introduced alongside practical learning, not as a completely separate subject Avoid putting pressure on grades alone Progress isn’t just measured by exams - confidence and musicality matter just as much Revisit goals regularly Your child’s interests may change over time, and their learning path can adapt with them Ultimately, the goal isn’t just for your child to pass exams - it’s for them to build confidence, enjoy music, and feel proud of what they can do. When the journey is tailored to them, progress becomes something they experience positively and consistently. If you have any questions we’re always happy to help you make it work. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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