Key Sounds UK • October 21, 2018

PRODUCTIVE PRACTICE

How much does practice really matter?

Through past experiences and networking with dozens of highly experienced musicians from composers to conductors to teachers to instrumental musicians, we concluded that in an average week it takes 80% practice time and 20% lesson time.

How can we get the most out of ‘practising’ then?

One could sit down at their instrument every day for 60 minutes and be completely UNPRODUCTIVE. This could mean wasting time deciding what they are going to practice, what the aims and objectives of their practice session will be or just doing anything but progressing in the time allocated to them.

Trying to wing a practice session is a recipe for disaster. I’ve experienced this before and seen it happen far too many times!

Whether you are practising theories or a piece of music and prior to this session you decide what you are going to focus on and how much time or which days you will allocate to this then you will find your practice session much more useful and PRODUCTIVE as you won’t be wasting planning time.

In terms of the quantity of practice one should be doing, if you have a look at the second image on the right by ‘Musicnotes’ this clearly illustrates the difference the quantity of practice can make over the course of a decade or so.

The key here is to HAVE A PLAN and break this down into manageable and actionable chunks.

Studies show that the most successful musicians cultivate the following practice habits:

  1. Keep their piano in a location where they will see it regularly (e.g. their hallway or bedroom)
  2. Operate on a schedule
  3. Break goals into manageable chunks
  4. Warm up
  5. Record themselves

Sometimes it can be difficult to rectify the small mistakes in your playing, so recording yourself and listening back to this can provide you with a clearer understanding as to what does and doesn’t need improving. The top tip we always give is to practice what you don’t know, as opposed to what you do know. This in itself is a mental challenge just as much as it is a physical one, but it’s what really makes a piece or element of music sound complete as well as teach the musician what they are really capable of.

How can we make the most out of our lessons then?

Something we don’t usually realise until later on down the line is that lessons can be more productive if they are seen as check-ins, providing the student has practised effectively prior to that lesson. This means that any struggles or doubts one is having they should use in this 20% of their time to ask for help and learn how to find a solution to their problem(s).

The toughest part is of course the sitting down and getting to work, but we encourage to find a way that works for you. Of course, there will be days where you don’t want to get up but it is on these days that will separate those who work as and when they please compared to those who go that extra mile.

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

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How Long Should Piano Lessons Take to "Work

January 23, 2026
“We’ve been doing lessons for a while… but how do I know if it’s actually working?” This is one of the most common and completely valid questions parents ask themselves, especially if they’re not musical. Progress in piano doesn’t always look or sound obvious in the early stages. Unlike some activities, results aren’t instant and that can feel worrying when you’re investing time, money, and emotional energy into your child’s learning. The reassuring news? Most healthy musical progress happens quietly before it becomes obvious. Here’s what to realistically expect over time and when not to worry. What Progress Often Looks Like around 3-6 Months(if they began as a beginner) At this stage, progress is mostly about settling in. You might notice: Your child feels more comfortable sitting at the piano They recognise lesson routines They’re starting to listen more carefully, even if notes aren’t perfect What’s normal here: Hesitation Needing reminders and support This isn’t slow progress, it's foundation-building. What Progress Often Looks Like at 7-12 Months This is when progress becomes clearer to most parents. You may notice: Greater independence Less hesitation when playing Improved posture and focus Pride in what they can play Not every child is ready for grades at this stage and that’s perfectly fine.Your child is learning how to learn and that skill takes time. Strong foundations now often lead to faster, more confident progress later. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

What to Do When Your Child Is Too Tired for Piano Practice

January 16, 2026
“They’ve had a long day… should we still push through practice?” Many parents feel torn between supporting consistency and respecting their child’s energy levels especially during busy school weeks. The truth is: Tiredness doesn’t mean lack of commitment. It often means your child’s brain needs a different approach. Here’s how to handle it without guilt or pressure. It’s reasonable to adjust expectations when: Your child is overwhelmed with school or clubs They’re emotionally exhausted Concentration is unusually low Short, calm practice is far more valuable than long, frustrated sessions. Sometimes: 5 focused minutes beats 20 stressed ones Listening to a piece counts as engagement Talking about the lesson reinforces learning How Teachers Adapt During Busy Periods Good teachers expect fluctuations in energy. During tiring phases, lessons may focus more on: Confidence and comfort Reinforcing known material Gentle technical reminders Enjoyment and connection to music This doesn’t slow progress, it protects it. How Parents Can Communicate This Proactively One of the most helpful things you can say is: “It’s been a heavy week. Please let us know what’s realistic to focus on.” This allows the teacher to: Adjust expectations Support your child emotionally Keep progress aligned without pressure You’re not letting anyone down you’re advocating. What Matters Most Long-Term Children who feel supported (not pushed) are more likely to: Stick with lessons Build confidence Develop a healthy relationship with learning Music is a long journey - not a sprint. A Gentle Reminder for Parents Rest, flexibility, and understanding are not signs you are supporting them.  If you’re unsure how to balance tiredness with consistency, we’re always happy to help you find a rhythm that works for your family. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!

How to Spot Piano Progress as a Non-Musical Parent

January 12, 2026
Many parents tell us the same thing: “I want to support my child’s piano learning but I’m not musical, so I don’t know what to look for.” The truth is, you don’t need to read music or play the piano to be a huge part of your child’s progress. What matters most is how you observe, encourage and communicate, not your musical knowledge. Here are three simple, practical ways to stay involved and confident. 1️. Sit In on Lessons (Even Occasionally) You don’t need to attend every lesson -just sitting in from time to time can make a big difference. When you observe a lesson, you begin to notice: How your child is guided to sit and place their hands How the teacher breaks tasks into small, achievable steps The language and cues your child responds to Sit in for 10-15 minutes once every few weeks. This is to absorb rather than to assess. This helps you support practice at home using the same language the teacher uses. 2. Record a “Before vs After” Video One of the clearest ways to see progress - especially for non-musical parents - is through short videos. How it works: Record your child playing a song or exercise Then record the same song or exercise 5–6 lessons later, or on the day the teacher says it’s “finished” You’re not looking for perfection. Instead, notice small but meaningful changes: Confidence: Do they sit more comfortably and start playing more willingly? Hand position: Do they find their starting position more quickly? Flow: Are there fewer pauses or gaps in the music? Even tiny improvements are signs of progress - especially at this stage of learning Keep the video private. This isn’t for comparison with others - it’s simply a reminder of how far your child has come. 3. Set Simple Checkpoint Goals With the Teacher Progress doesn’t always mean “moving up a level”. For younger learners, it often shows up in skills and habits. Setting small checkpoint goals helps you know what to look out for at home. Examples of helpful checkpoint goals: “Starting the piece without help” “Finding hand position independently” “Playing through without stopping” “Feeling confident playing for someone else” Ask the teacher: “What’s one thing we should notice improving over the next few lessons?” This gives you clarity and keeps expectations realistic. A Reassuring Note for Parents At ages 6–8, piano progress is often gradual and subtle and that’s exactly how it should be. Confidence, comfort at the keyboard, and smoother transitions are just as important as notes and rhythms. By observing, recording small milestones, and staying aligned with the teacher, you’re already playing a vital role in your child’s musical journey even if you’ve never played a note yourself.  If you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
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