For most children taking private piano lessons, practising a little on several days of the week is more effective than doing one long practice session immediately before the lesson.
Consistency Matters More Than Long Sessions
A beginner does not usually need to practise for an hour. Short, focused sessions help children remember what they learned without turning piano into an exhausting task.
A Practical Starting Guide
- Young beginners: about 5–10 minutes, 4–5 days per week
- Elementary students: about 15–20 minutes, 4–5 days per week
- Developing students: about 20–30 minutes on most days
- Advanced or exam students: practice time varies considerably depending on repertoire and goals
These are general ranges, not strict rules. The teacher may recommend more or less depending on the student, assignment and upcoming performances or exams.
What Should a Child Practise?
A productive practice session can be divided into small goals: warm-up or scales, a difficult passage, assigned repertoire, sight-reading and a favourite piece. Children often respond better to specific tasks than to being told simply to “practise piano.”
When Practice Becomes a Battle
If practice regularly leads to frustration, reduce the length and focus on consistency. A five-minute successful session can be more valuable than thirty minutes of unfocused repetition. Parents can also ask the teacher to clarify exactly what should be practised during the week.