10 Best Practice Tips for Beginner Musicians

Learning an instrument is a journey, not a sprint, and building a practice routine is one of the best ways to make steady, joyful progress. But for beginners (and their parents), practice time can quickly turn into a daily struggle: distractions, frustration, or just plain forgetting.

The good news? A few simple shifts can make practice time smoother, more productive, and, dare we say… fun!

Here are 10 of our favorite practice tips at HeartStrings School of Music, gathered from years of experience working with students of all ages.

1. Find a quiet space with no distractions

Is the TV on? Siblings running through the room? Tablet pinging with notifications? These can all break focus fast.

Choose a consistent spot for your child’s practice, ideally one that’s quiet, tidy, and free from interruptions. This helps their brain associate that space with calm, focused effort.

2. Pick a time that works for your child’s energy

Kids are more successful when they practice at the same time each day, but it’s also important to pick a time when they’re not hungry, tired, or rushed.

Right after school, after dinner, or first thing in the morning can all work. Just aim for a time that fits naturally into your family rhythm.

3. Set a time limit (10–20 minutes is perfect)

You don’t need an hour! In fact, too much practice can backfire. For beginners, 10-20 focused minutes is just right. The goal is to keep it doable and consistent, not exhausting or overwhelming.

Pro tip: Use a visual tracker that counts repetitions, and this can add up to a nice block of time focused on their instrument.

4. Practice slowly and intentionally

Most kids like to play things fast. But, speed comes later. Always encourage your child to practice slowly, giving their brain and fingers time to process what they’re doing. Rushing leads to frustration and sloppy habits.

We often say in lessons: “Slow is smooth, and smooth becomes fast.”

5. Work on small chunks, one measure at a time

Trying to play an entire piece from start to finish every time? That’s a recipe for burnout.

Instead, break the piece into small sections like one line, one measure, or even one tricky transition. Repeat it a few times, then move on.

6. Use repetition to build mastery

Repetition isn’t boring, it’s how our brains learn best! Whether it’s a tricky rhythm or a new hand position, aim for 5–10 focused repetitions of that section. The more times your child tries it, the easier it becomes!

You can even turn this into a game: try the “penny stack” or the M&M trick (more on that below!).

7. Reward effort (and make it fun)

We love the M&M Trick for younger kids:
If a student needs to repeat something eight times, place eight M&M’s (or raisins or crackers) next to the piano. Each time they play it, they get to eat one. This helps reinforce the idea that practice is about effort, not perfection, and it builds a sense of fun into the routine. Plus it helps them count and rewards them for each attempt.

8. Focus on good posture and healthy habits

Beginners often slump, lean, or use tension in their hands without realizing it. Gently remind your child to sit tall, relax their shoulders, and keep curved fingers (I call them lobster claws) on the keys. For violinists, hold the bow with relaxed, round fingers, with the pinky (or “birdie”) perched on the top.

Consistent posture practice now helps prevent frustration and injury later. It allows kids to learn how to control their muscles and develop safe, healthy habits.

9. Listen before you play

I incorporate ear training into my lessons, encouraging students to listen to a piece of music before they play it. Listening is part of the practice! Play a recording of the assigned song or exercise before they sit down to play. This helps them absorb rhythm, phrasing, and tone, and builds their musical ear over time. Have them read along with their sheet music while they listen. This will give them a chance to hear a tricky rhythm and recognize what the rhythm looks like on the page. The more senses they incorporate during practice time, the easier it is to learn!

10. Take breaks when needed

If your child starts to feel frustrated, tense, or fatigued, take a breather. Sometimes, a five-minute break is all it takes to reset the brain and come back with fresh focus. Let them walk around, stretch, or switch to a fun piece before returning to the more challenging section. You can also break up repetitions into smaller practice sprints. For example, if a child needs to practice three pieces of music, set aside 5 -10 minutes for each piece at different times of the day. That way, they can digest the practice in smaller time chunks.

Bonus Tip: Celebrate the small wins

At HeartStrings, we believe in progress over perfection. Every time your child sits down to practice, even if it’s just for a few minutes, they’re building focus, confidence, and a positive relationship with learning. Celebrate the effort. Notice the little breakthroughs. Cheer them on when they self-correct or try again after a mistake.

The goal isn’t to become perfect, it’s to enjoy the journey and feel proud of how far they’ve come.