“Music is our oldest form of expression, older than language or art; it begins with the voice, and with our overwhelming need to reach out to others.  In fact music is humanity far more than words, for words are abstract symbols which convey factual meaning.  Music touches our feelings more deeply than most words and makes us respond with our whole being…As long as the human race survives, music will be essential to us.  We need music, I believe, as much as we need each other.” Yehudi Menuhin

One of the struggles all families face is regular music practice. Our lives are busy and we are always trading off and compromising. It is not worth compromising however on regular practice and listening. These are non-negotiable but how to make it work?

“In many cases I wonder if poor practice is going on. ‘Do your practicing!’ There are those who think that this constant nagging is education. This method can be called the ‘How not to develop ability’ method”

“Children practice in spit of being scolded. Why not make happiness part of their incentive?” Dr Suzuki

We need to be organised for practice – create a still space in the day and spend it one on one with the child playing and revising. This is a special time when you and your child engage in something that is building a future full of rich self expression – the child shares time with you, the parent, and you grow into music maturity together.

So practice needs to be

• Regular
• Focused
• A Joint event
• Balanced between new material, revision and a fun activity

To create incentive, as Suzuki reminds us, we also need to make it a largely happy affair. This means we approach the practice in a positive and focused way. We celebrate all achievements in family specific ways that nurture self esteem and a sense of identity that is fused with the music making.

Celebration might involve any or all of the following:

• A family concert (playing to relatives and grand parents is extra special)
• A cake
• A family excursion
• A special meal to which a friend is invited
• The purchase of a new CD by a great exponent of their instrument

Remember that progress is neither fast nor slow – it is at the pace of the child. When a solid environment and family rhythm is established amazing things do happen

Practice is also a barometer of family life. Never blame the child for failing to practice – this is a family not personal responsibility.

Start by doing what’s necessary;

Then what’s possible

And suddenly you are doing the impossible!

St Francis of Assisi