A Profusion of Ideas for Positive Practice

A Profusion of Ideas for Positive and Productive Practice

Houston Suzuki Piano Institute Parent Lecture

March 2012

Reflect First

Take Care of Yourself-eat, sleep, breath, etc. 

Take Care of Your Child--ditto for the child

Demand Respect and Courtesy: It’s okay to say that’s not okay

Problem?  Talk to Your Teacher, PLEASE!  Email is often the best tool

Time of Day

Remember to Keep the Practice Short—you can always come back later

Flashcards  (try mine. . . only $5.00)

Board Game: child can create it

Puppets: can be super lovey dovey . . . or perhaps grouchy

Charts and Stickers: child can create it

Post It Notes: tasks and musical details--stick them all over the piano and child picks one

Happy Hearts Game: draw a heart with a smiley face and put tallies for each “OK, Mom”

Role Reversal

Special Guest Star --invite a special pet or toy to the practice

Practice for Dad (or the other parent)

Hire a Musical Teen Ager once a week for a practice session

Dice and Counting Toys

Stage a Pretend Recital and Invite all the Dolls and Stuffies

Video Tape the Practice Session (we are all more cheerful on camera)

Call Grandma/Neighbor and Play New Piece Over the Phone

Color a Part of a Picture After Each Task

Free Day—child is in completely in charge

Set a Small Goal

Use a Timer (iphone timers are especially lucrative) 

Make an Audio Recording and Listen to It

New Incentive System: child can create

Practice Everyday for a Month

Four Negative Cards-Edmond Sprunger’s Game--you can only make four comments

Start a Special or Easier Song—ask teacher

Write compliments to your child in the music

Have a No Talking Practice

Make Up Words to All the Songs

Snippet Day: just pick little details and repeat them in sets of four 

Origami-one fold per task

Before Bed is Not Always Bad: “you can’t go to bed until we finish this practice. . . “

Playing Cards—many different games—for example: give one card for every correct accidental

Tickle Time/Hug Break

Keep it Easy: too hard = resistance

Dare I say?  CHOCOLATE?  MONEY?

SARA STEPHENS KOTRBA