Although the suggestions below are for parents of young children, many of the principles of practice apply to all levels of study. If your child is young, the teacher will probably want you to assist in home practice. You may be watching the child's hand position, helping with theory flashcards and games, singing while the child plays, clapping or counting rhythms and simply being an audience. Preschool children often require a parent to sit down with them while they practice and to direct the practice activities. If a child is unsure about how to practice, the teacher may need to be more detailed in the assignment book.
Some teachers put directions directly on the assigned pages of music.
Attention should be focused on carrying out the assignment rather than a specified number of minutes spent at the piano. You may be involved directly for the entire practice session at the initial stages. Some children need assistance until the age of ten. Music practicing is one way that children learn how to become self-disciplined, independent thinks and problem solvers. In some cases, a young child may simply want a parent to sit quietly in the room where he or she is practicing.