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 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!

How Can I Help My Child Manage Nerves Before a Piano Exam or Performance?

June 12, 2026
Whether it's their first concert, a school performance, or a piano exam, feeling nervous is completely normal. In fact, most musicians including professionals experience some level of nerves before performing. The goal isn't to eliminate nerves entirely. The goal is to help children feel prepared, confident, and capable of performing despite them. Here are some simple ways to support your child. Replicate the Performance Environment at Home One of the most effective ways to reduce nerves is to make the experience feel familiar. A few days before the performance: Ask your child to walk into the room as if they were entering the stage Introduce themselves if they will be doing so Perform the piece from start to finish without stopping Invite a few family members to listen The more familiar the process feels, the less intimidating it becomes. Remember we are not trying to create pressure. We are helping children build confidence through repetition. Focus on Deep Breaths Before Playing When nerves appear, breathing often becomes shallow and quick. Before performing, encourage your child to: Take a slow breath in through their nose Hold for a moment Exhale slowly Repeating this two or three times can help calm the body's natural stress response. Simple techniques often work best. Remember Why They Started When children become focused on "getting it right", they can forget why they began learning in the first place. Before an exam or concert, remind them: How much they have learned How far they have come The pieces they can now play that once felt impossible The goal is not perfection. The goal is to share their music and celebrate their progress. A Final Thought Courage isn't performing without nerves. Courage is performing despite them. Every performance builds confidence, resilience, and self-belief - regardless of the result. And those are skills that extend far beyond music.  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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