Reshmi Patel • April 12, 2021
Playing versus Practicing the Piano
Often students who are new to the piano will do a mixture of ‘playing’ and ‘practicing' their piano.
What’s the real difference between these two? Should we always pick one or the other?
When we ‘play’ the piano this means we are playing through your songs and exercises from start to finish. This can be useful before a performance or at the start or end of your practice session. Solely ‘playing’ isn’t productive if you are looking to improve with your technique and to play the songs you love to a high standard.
When we ‘practice’ the piano this means we are actively choosing to play the difficult sections and musical elements. Some examples of these are: octave jump, moving from sharp to natural, trills, counts and rhythms. In the long run this is a productive way to practice your piano as you will grasp the techniques well enough to learn how to play the pieces you love at a faster rate!
Scenario
Monday, 8am-8:45am you are sitting at your piano and your lesson notes advise you to work on bar 3 and 4 dynamic changes. ‘Dynamics’ means volume. The volume changes in bars 3 and 4 are marked as quiet. This means we would press the keys lightly.
Example of Playing
8am-8:45am you play the song from start to finish. – at this stage of your journey this can work well to check off the box but a more productive way would be to practice in order to add in the volume changes and create interest within the piece.
Example of Practicing
8-8:45am you focus on playing bars 3 and 4 as quietly as you possibly can. You repeat this correctly 5-10 times in a row until this feels easy and natural. This would be a productive practice session and the piece is now on its way to sound like a performance.
Example of a combination of Playing and Practicing
8-8:30am you focus on playing bars 3 and 4 as quietly as you possibly can. You repeat this correctly 5-10 times in a row until this feels easy and natural.
8:30am-8:45am you play the song from start to finish and include the quieter section in bars 3 and 4.
This method works well if you have been able to practice the section you were struggling on within the given time frame. If not, keep on practicing until you have truly mastered the element you have been struggling on. Then try to play slightly more of the section or piece.
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.
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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!
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!
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!
