How to Help Your Child Play Piano Like A S.T.A.R.
Many parents (especially those with little or no musical background, have often asked what they can do to help and inspire their child in daily piano practice. First of all, it is best, if possible, to set aside a 15-30 minute interval of time each day for piano practice. A regular and consistent practice schedule is absolutely essential for success at the piano. Second, before beginning any practice session, the student must define specific practice goals for that practice time; otherwise, for the most part, their fingers will meander over the notes of the music mindlessly, without ever really learning to play the piece well. In setting a daily goal for each piece of music to be learned for the week, remember the word S.T.A.R.
S.T.A.R. is an acronym for:
S – Small Sections of Music (Set Goal for the Day)
Never allow the student to spend time playing a new piece from beginning to end. Initially this can be done just to get a feel for the music, but when it’s time to get down to the business of learning the piece, always chose a small section to learn for that day. This could be any amount between two measures to two lines long, depending on the overall leangth and difficulty of the piece. Students must learn to create week-long goals for learning the piece and have a plan for learning a different section of music each day. Also, students should be aware of repetitious passages of music so they do not waste time practicing something they have already learned.
ASK – What section of this piece will you learn today?
ASK – Is this section a repeat of any other part of the piece?
ASK – How many times will you be able to play it perfectly after you have practiced? (5-10 times is reasonable)
T – Take Hands Separately
Playing both hands together will usually prove to be a frustrating experience for the students to say the least. Students should begin right away by playing each hand separately, and then deal individually with any note reading or rhythmic challenges the right and left hand parts may present. Practicing in struct rhythm is absolutely essential, even at the early stages of learning the piece. This can be achieved by careful counting of the beats out loud, preferably with the use of a metronome to assure rhythmic accuracy. Also, pay strict attention to any fingering written in the music, whether originally printed, or hand-written by the teacher. Speed is not important at this time, and the part should never be played any faster than it can be managed comfortably and with conceivable perfection. Hands should be practiced separately until reasonable perfection (5-10 times with no mistakes) with both the left and right hands parts is achieved. Keep in mind that playing with perfection refers equally to rhythmic issues and keeping a steady beat as well as notes. Incorrect rhythms and any hesitation while playing are mistakes as serious as hitting wrong notes.
A – All Together Now, But Slowly
After each hand can be played with perfect note and rhythmic accuracy, it is time to put both hands together. This step should happen during the same practice session as the hands separately practice. Do not allow the student to wait for days before putting hands together, as it will become a more dreaded task in the future. When hands are practiced together for the first time, be sure it is done at a much slower speed. About half the speed of the hands separately tempo would be a good starting place, and then the speed may increase as quickly as needed as the music comes together. If this task seems too much at first, have the student practice in even smaller sections, such as one or two measures, or even two or three beats at a time.
R – Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
As with any physical exercise program, a student’s degree of strength and confidence with a passage of music will only come through repetition, and lots of it! Once the passage can be played successfully with both hands and with accuracy in rhythm and notes, it is time to determine a set number of repetitions that will soon convince the student, and those listening, that the passage has truly been mastered. It would be foolish for one to go up to a piece of exercise equipment and pump the weights only once or twice; and likewise, being able to play a passage of music correctly once or twice means nothing, and could perhaps have even been a luck shot! Repetition builds confidence, speed and enthusiasm for the music that is being learned. For the first day of practice on a new passage of music, the student should plan to repeat at least 5-10 times in a row with consistency of notes and rhythm. In subsequent days, the passage should be reviewed again after learning the assigned new section of music. For review days, the repetitions can be shortened as long as accuracy is maintained.
Conclusion
With these four practice habits as a daily routine at the piano, it will be nearly impossible for your child not to succeed. Establishing a daily discipline of piano practice will prove invaluable for your child in many ways. Cognitive studies have shown that students who engage in the study of the piano for even as short a time as six months improve their understanding and supplication of skills in other subject areas such as math, reading, and science. Your support, encouragement, and consistency in your child’s music education will greatly assist them in building a strong foundation in self-discipline and send them on the road to reaping the rich rewards of hard work and personal achievement.
- Steve Tedesco, M.M., M.Ed.
© 2008 by Steve Tedesco, Tedesco Piano Instruction, LLC