Reshmi Patel • August 2, 2021
How We Can Structure Our Piano Practice Sessions
Once of the most common questions we hear piano students asking is: ‘how do I structure my practice?’ or ‘how do I practice this part of my piece or exercise?’
What students could you practice?
1. Areas you find difficult – your teacher or mentor may have already mentioned this in your last lesson.
2. Areas which you don’t feel confident in just yet.
3. Sections where you are stopping – this often happens in between bars or octave jumps in a piece or exercise.
At times, you will want to do a full run-through of your piece to help you figure out how far you have progressed, and that is understandable! However, that should not happen every single practice session.
How you could experiment with your practice
1. Record yourself
Sometimes when we play the piano, we have several different areas to focus on such as the rhythm, timing, hand changes, dynamic variations and the list goes on. A useful technique we recommend to students is to record themselves practicing the area they have been struggling on and then listen back to hear the changes for themselves. This also helps improve the student’s self-awareness and therefore spot errors faster going forwards.
2. Practice hands separately
Even if you have started playing a piece hands together it can be beneficial to separate the hands. It may be that your right-hand is faster than your left-hand or the rhythms are more complex in the right-hand.
3. Play the music in a different rhythm
Often when we are trying to learn tricky rhythms, we can begin to feel frustrated. A common method we use if a student is struggling is to exaggerate the longer notes and the shorter notes in a bar. For example, if we have a a crotchet (a one count note) we may play this as a quaver (a half count note) and if we have a minim (a two-count note) we may play this as a semibreve (a four-count note). Then over time we practice returning these rhythms back to normal.
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 look around our website or connect with us directly!
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!
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!
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!
