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.
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
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Children don’t just grow physically - their attention span, emotional awareness, and confidence evolve too. As they move through different ages and stages, their piano learning naturally shifts. Understanding these changes helps you support their musical journey in a way that feels positive and achievable for everyone. Developmental Stages Young children (5-7 years) They learn through play, repetition, and imagination. Short bursts of focus are completely normal, and their progress often shows up in tiny steps that suddenly click all at once. Older children (8-11 years) They begin to take pride in independence and want to understand why things work. They can handle longer pieces and more complex rhythms. Pre-teens & teens This stage can be full of emotions, self-criticism, and identity-building. Music can become an expressive outlet and sometimes a place where perfectionism shows up. How you can help ● Adjust practice expectations as your child matures. ● Celebrate growth over speed. ● Be patient with the natural ups and downs. And remember: If you’re unsure what’s appropriate for their age, feel free to reach out to us we’re always happy to guide you. 2. Balancing Piano With Academic Pressures Schoolwork grows heavier as children get older, and it’s normal for motivation to shift during busy periods. Practice may not look the same during exam weeks and that’s completely okay. Supportive strategies: ● Keep practice short and focused when schedules are tight. ● Create a weekly routine that includes music, even in small doses. ● Let your teacher know when school gets especially intense. We can always adjust lesson content, repertoire, or expectations when we know what your child is juggling. You’re welcome to reach out anytime. 3. Supporting Emotional Ups and Downs Piano challenges students in ways that build resilience but frustration sometimes comes with the process. What helps: ● Validate their feelings (“That part is tricky!”). ● Celebrate their small wins children thrive on noticing their own progress. ● Introduce a “proud moment of the week” ritual. If emotional blocks persist, message us or mention it in lessons. Sometimes one small adjustment from the teacher can make a big difference. 4. Keeping Piano Fun and Personally Meaningful Children stay engaged when they connect with their music. Try adding: ● A piece they choose each term ● Music from films, games, or artists they love ● Creative tasks like composing or improvising ● Duets with siblings or parents If you’re ever unsure what repertoire would excite your child, ask us if we're happy to personalise suggestions. 5. Stay Connected With Your Teacher Piano progress is a partnership. As your child grows, their needs change and we’re here to support every stage. You can: ● Check in with us once a term ● Reach out between lessons with small questions ● Let us know about school stress, emotions, or changes at home We’re always here to help your child flourish at the piano.
Is piano really the best instrument to start my 6- or 7-year-old on? Piano is widely recognized as the most accessible first instrument for children, especially between ages 5–9, because it’s intuitive, builds transferable skills, and gives them confidence to explore music further. Here’s why we believe piano to be the first best instrument to start learning on: Visual and logical layout: The keys are arranged in a way that makes learning notes and patterns simple for children. Unlike string instruments, kids don’t need to worry about tuning or finger placement precision right away. Gentle on small hands: Pressing keys is easier than stretching tiny fingers around guitar frets or violin strings. Instant sound success: Children can play simple songs from day one, which keeps motivation high. Actionable tips we recommend to parents: Find the right teacher: Look for someone who specializes in young beginners and uses games, movement, and creativity alongside note reading. Choose the right instrument: We are happy to recommend where you can buy these from but in short, a full-size digital piano with weighted keys is often better than a small keyboard as this builds strength and mobility in the fingers. Set up a practice routine: Start with 5 minutes a day, same time each day (after homework or before bedtime works well). Keep it fun: Ask your teacher about duets, familiar songs, or apps that turn practice into a game. If you’d like to find out more contact us using our form: www.keysoundsuk.com/book-class
How do I know if my 5–7 year old is ready to start piano lessons? Here are three simple signs that show they’re ready to begin piano lessons. 1. They Can Tell Left from Right Since piano uses both hands independently, knowing left from right helps children follow instructions and feel confident at the keyboard. Tip for parents: If your child is still learning, making playful stickers on each hand (L & R) can work wonders. 2. They Can Recognize Letters A–G The piano is built around these seven letters. If your child can already identify them, it’s much easier to connect notes to the keys. Tip for parents: Practice spotting A–G during everyday activities alphabet books, fridge magnets, or singing the musical alphabet. 3. They Show an Interest in Music at Home If your child already sings along to songs in the car, dances in the living room, or taps rhythms on the table, that curiosity is a strong sign they’ll enjoy lessons. Piano builds on these natural instincts and channels them into learning. Tip for parents: Encourage these habits, ask what their favorite song is, clap the beat together, or let them “perform” their version at home. If you’d like to find out more contact us using our form: www.keysoundsuk.com/book-class
