If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated trying to get your child to practice their instrument, you’re not alone. In fact, this is one of the most common concerns we hear from parents at Zera Music Company.
A few weeks ago, we were chatting with a parent who sighed and said, “Getting my child to sit down and practice feels like pulling teeth.” Maybe you’ve felt the same way. The good news is—practice doesn’t have to feel like a battle. With just a few small shifts, practice can move from being a chore to something your child genuinely enjoys.
At Zera Music Company, we’ve had the privilege of watching hundreds of students grow over the years. One thing we’ve noticed is this: breakthroughs in practice habits often don’t come from sticker charts or bribing kids with screen time. They come from how music naturally fits into the rhythms of daily life.
So, if practice time has been a struggle in your home, here are three simple strategies you can try this week that have made a big difference for many of our families.
1. Keep the Instrument in Sight
Out of sight, out of mind—this is true for instruments, too! One parent told us she moved her daughter’s keyboard out of the bedroom and into the living room. Without anyone asking, her daughter began sitting down to play on her own.
Sometimes all it takes is making the instrument visible and accessible. If the guitar is in its case in the closet, or the piano is tucked in a dark corner, kids won’t be naturally drawn to it. Think about placing it where your child spends time already—where it almost invites them to play.
2. Ask Differently
The words we use as parents matter. Instead of asking, “Did you practice today?” (which can sound like homework check-in), try asking, “Can I hear what you’re working on?”
That small change reframes practice as an opportunity to share, not perform under pressure. Suddenly, your child isn’t just reporting to you—they’re inviting you into their musical world.
Music is about connection, after all, and this small tweak helps nurture that.
3. Create a Mini Routine
Children thrive on rhythm and routine. Practice doesn’t always need to happen in big chunks of time—it’s often better if it doesn’t. Even 10 focused minutes can be powerful when it’s consistent.
Try setting up a cozy practice ritual. Maybe it’s after dinner with a cup of cocoa, or right before bedtime with soft music playing in the background. Some families light a candle, others simply sit nearby and listen. The point isn’t to make practice another box to check—it’s to make it something enjoyable and woven into the fabric of your home.
When practice feels easy and inviting, kids are much more likely to stick with it.
The Bigger Picture
Music lessons aren’t just about learning notes on a page. They’re about building confidence, self-discipline, and joy in creating something beautiful. Helping your child establish healthy practice habits is one of the best gifts you can give them—not just for their musical journey, but for life.
We’d love to hear your stories! If you try one of these tips and it sparks a change in your home, share it with us. Nothing encourages our team more than seeing students discover freedom and joy in their music-making.
👉 Want more encouragement like this? Explore more stories and tips from Zera Music Company
