How Parents Can Truly Support Piano Lessons

You don’t have to be a musician to be a great practice partner—you just need consistency and the right approach.

Show Up and Stay Involved

Attend lessons (in person or virtually), take notes, and guide practice at home to reflect what happened in the studio. This approach, central to the Suzuki method, builds a strong parent–child–teacher team.

Build a Predictable Routine

Choose a regular time—after snack, before homework—and stick to it. Daily short sessions (even 10–15 minutes) are far more effective than one big weekend push.

Create a Musical Home

Expose your child to music beyond their pieces: listen to different styles, have casual “living room concerts,” and show genuine interest in their progress.

Be Supportive, Not Controlling

Ask questions like, “What’s one small goal for today’s practice?” This invites them to take ownership while you encourage and celebrate progress.

Sources:

• Suzuki, S. (1981). Nurtured by Love. Alfred Music.

• McPherson, G. E., & Davidson, J. W. (2002). Musical practice: Mother and child interactions during the first year of learning an instrument. Music Education Research, 4(1), 141–156.

• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.