Key Sounds UK • April 24, 2020

PIANO PRACTICE TIPS TO SUPPORT YOUR MUSICAL JOURNEY DURING LOCKDOWN

Not sure where to start when you sit down at the piano? These practice tips will keep you focused on meaningful improvement.

Practising is the most important part of learning and becoming a piano player. Remember these tips to take your practice time to its highest potential!

  • Make a game plan

Ensure that you start each of your practice sessions with a goal in mind. You will find you progress more quickly and effectively.

Try taking some time out to think about what you will be working on for the week. If you learn with a teacher, look at or ask what practice tips they would recommend for you.

Then decide when you can set aside 10-15+ minutes in your day to help you work on these areas.

Remember that practising little and often helps to build muscle memory, so in the long run this is more productive than simply practising once per week.

  • Create atmosphere

Get the right set-up for you. Whether you prefer to concentrate in a quiet practice room or somewhere with more stimulation, try be consistent with your choice. This will help you enter the right mindset when you begin to practise.

  • Study the score before playing

Don’t just play a piece or passage over and over again, and definitely don’t just power through a problem area and ignore it. Identify where you are stumbling out of time and work out why it’s going wrong, then decide how you are going to fix it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teacher or fellow musicians!

  • Actively listening to your piece of music

Whether it’s a recording of yourself or someone else playing the same piece of music or scale that you are learning, this can help you to gain a better understanding of the style of the music.

  • Practice hands separately

If you are learning a piece hands together, it’s a completely different skill to learning it hands separately as you are activating both sides of the brain when you are playing hands together but only one side of the brain when you play hands separately. Try to practice one hand at a time when you initially learn your piece of music and don’t be afraid to do this if one hand it lagging behind even once you have begun practising hands together.

  • Be consistent with your finger patterns

If you notice any repeated note patterns in your music, try to stick to the same finger pattern too. This will help your brain to recognise this section of the music each time you refer back to it and will therefore allow the piece to flow more easily.

  • Enjoy yourself

Whilst we are all locked up inside, it’s the perfect opportunity for you to perform to your household members or even online to your friends and family. Send us through your videos and we’d love to see everyone getting involved!

Use this time to experiment and improve on your piano practice habits and feel free to ask us any questions you may have!

For more tips and tricks follow us on Instagram: @keysoundsuk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/keysoundsuk

Are Summer Booster Piano Classes or Camps Worth It

July 13, 2026
As summer approaches, many parents ask:  "Should my child take a break from piano, or keep learning over the holidays?" The answer will be different for every family, but one thing is clear: long summer breaks can make it harder for children to regain confidence and momentum when lessons resume. That's where summer booster classes can help. Why Do Children Benefit From Summer Learning? Like many skills, piano develops through consistency. After several weeks away from the instrument, children often need time to rebuild: Finger strength and coordination Reading confidence Familiarity with pieces Practice routines A small amount of learning over the summer can make returning in September feel much easier. A Booster Class Isn't About Doing More Many parents hear the word "booster" and imagine intensive learning. In reality, it's about reinforcing what your child already knows while introducing a few new ideas in an enjoyable way. Children often leave feeling refreshed and motivated rather than overwhelmed. Who Are Booster Classes Suitable For? Summer booster classes can benefit children who: Would like to maintain progress over the holidays. They have recently started lessons and are building confidence. Are preparing for a performance or exam later in the year. Simply enjoy music and would like an extra opportunity to learn. They're also a great option for children who have been away on holiday and would like a gentle refresher before the new term begins. How Parents Can Make the Most of Summer Alongside booster classes, you can: Keep practice short and enjoyable. Listen to piano music together. Encourage your child to play favourite pieces for family. Celebrate consistency rather than perfection. A Final Thought Summer doesn't have to be about choosing between intensive learning and taking a complete break. Sometimes, one or two well-timed booster sessions are enough to maintain confidence, strengthen skills and help children return to lessons feeling excited for the new term. 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!

How Can My Child Make Faster Progress Without More Pressure?

June 23, 2026
Many parents naturally wonder: "Is there anything we can do to help our child progress faster?" The answer is “yes!” But surprisingly, it isn't always about practising for longer. Often, it's about practising smarter and supporting learning more effectively. Focus on Quality Over Quantity Twenty focused minutes is often more valuable than forty distracted ones. Encourage your child to: Work on one small section at a time Repeat challenging passages slowly Celebrate small improvements Progress is built through quality repetitions. Listen to More Music Children who regularly listen to music often develop stronger musical awareness. Try: Piano versions of favourite songs Film soundtracks Classical pieces Live performances online The more children hear music, the more naturally they understand it. Encourage Independent Problem Solving Before giving answers, try asking: "What do you think your teacher would suggest?" This develops independence and musical thinking. Over time, children become less reliant on reminders and more capable of self-correction. Protect Enjoyment One of the quickest ways to slow progress is to turn learning into pressure. Children tend to improve most when they: Feel capable Enjoy lessons Experience regular success Confidence fuels motivation, and motivation fuels progress. Think in Months, Rather than in Days One of the most powerful shifts parents can make is focusing on long-term growth. Instead of asking: "Why isn't this perfect yet?" Ask: "Are they stronger than they were three months ago?" Small improvements compound over time. A Final Thought The children who make the greatest progress are rarely the ones under the most pressure.  They're usually the ones who stay engaged, curious, and consistent. When enjoyment and effort work together, progress tends to follow naturally. 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!

How Piano Parents Can Support Piano Progress Between Lessons

June 15, 2026
You don't need to be musical to create a meaningful difference in your child’s piano journey. Many parents tell us: "I'd love to help more, but I don't play an instrument." The good news? You don't need to understand music theory or read notation to support your child's progress. Some of the most impactful support has nothing to do with musical knowledge. Create a Consistent Environment Children thrive on routine. Rather than focusing on long practice sessions, focus on: A regular practice time A quiet environment Minimal distractions Consistency often matters more than duration. Ask Questions Instead of: "Did you practise?" Try: "What did you improve today?" Or: "What are you most proud of this week?" These questions encourage reflection and ownership. Celebrate Effort, Rather than Talent Research consistently shows that children develop greater resilience when effort is praised rather than natural ability. For example: Instead of: "You're so talented." Try: "I noticed how patient you were with that tricky section." This encourages a growth mindset. Stay Connected With the Teacher You don't need lengthy conversations. Simply asking:  "What's one thing we should focus on this week?" This can provide clarity and confidence. Small conversations often lead to significant improvements. A Final Thought Children make the best progress when lessons and home support work together. It’s absolutely fine that you are not musically qualified or a teacher yourself. You can be the encouragement they are looking for at home. Now that role is incredibly powerful. 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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