Certain individuals prefer to eat while learning. If the student is that type of learner, have food or drink readily available in the practice area. This way more time will be spent practicing than traveling to the refrigerator. Many students learn best while working with others. An ideal way to develop a sense of musical ensemble may be to allow students to work together.
Some students prefer to self-structure practice sessions, others prefer imposed goals and rewards.
Most music teachers recommend a way to practice between lessons. Parents of students who need imposed structure should reinforce the teacher's suggestions. Students who prefer self-structure can, and should, adapt the suggestions of the teacher to become their own. For example, if a teacher suggests a particular working sequence during practice sessions, the student can claim ownership of each practice session by adapting and completing that sequence in the way he or she chooses. If a student is motivated primarily by his or her teacher, parents should keep the teacher informed of not just the student's practice methods, but his or her learning-style preferences as well.