How to Motivate Your Child to Practice Guitar
"I've bought the guitar, found a teacher, and my child seemed excited... but now they won't practice!"
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Getting kids to practice regularly is one of the biggest challenges parents face when their children learn guitar.
Before diving into solutions, it's important to understand why children resist practice. Often it's not because they don't enjoy guitar, it's because practice feels disconnected from the fun of actually playing music…
Make It a Game, Not a Chore
The quickest way to kill a child's passion for music is to make practice feel like a chore. Instead, gamify the experience…
Create a 30-day challenge with a colourful sticker chart where they can track their progress. Each practice session earns a sticker, with small rewards at milestone points (perhaps after 5, 15, and 30 days).
You might try practice dice where each number corresponds to a different activity ("Play your favourite song", "Make up a new tune", "Practice the tricky part three times"). Rolling the dice adds an element of surprise that keeps practice fresh.
Flexible Timing Works Better
Rather than setting a rigid schedule like "Guitar practice at 6:30pm", tie practice to a part of your routine that you do every day: "We do guitar practice for 10 minutes before brushing teeth."
This flexibility means busy days don't automatically result in missed practice, reducing stress for everyone.
This approach also helps practice become a natural part of the day rather than a special task that feels like extra work.
Practice With Them, Not Against Them
Children under 12 typically don't fully understand HOW to practice or WHY it matters. Instead of sending them off alone to practice, make it something you do together.
Sit with them, ask questions about what they're learning, or even learn alongside them. This transforms practice from a solitary chore into quality time together. You don't need to be musical yourself – showing interest is what matters.
When They "Forget" Everything at Home
Many parents experience this… their child seems to be doing well in lessons but "forgets" everything when asked to play at home. As a music teacher, I see this with my own son too!
This is completely normal and doesn't mean they aren't enjoying lessons or making progress. Children often compartmentalise their learning environments and may feel pressure when performing for parents.
Don't worry if they're reluctant to demonstrate their skills. Instead, contact their teacher for guidance on how you can support practice at home. Most teachers are happy to provide specific activities or approaches that will help.
Keep the Joy Central
Remember that your child's long-term relationship with music matters more than short-term progress. When practice becomes a battleground, the joy of music gets lost.
Celebrate small wins, laugh off mistakes, and sometimes just let them play whatever they want, even if it doesn't seem "productive." The child who associates guitar with fun is the one who will keep playing for years to come.
Create Opportunities to Perform
Children need purpose for their practice. Arrange small "concerts" for family members, even if it's just playing a simple melody at dinner time. These low-pressure performances give meaning to practice sessions.
Consider setting up informal jam sessions with other young musicians. Playing with others is often more motivating than playing alone.
Find out if your child's guitar school offers performance opportunities too!
Above all, remember that nurturing a love of music is a marathon, not a sprint. The goal isn't perfect practice every day… it's raising a child who finds joy and expression through their instrument.
Get in Touch to Book a Free Trial Session
Based in Stratford, East London, we offer expert guitar and bass tuition for all ages and skill levels.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Looking to improve your playing or master new techniques? Click below to book your free trial session.
Call us at 02031434809
Send an email to lessons@guitartuitioneastlondon.co.uk
Guitar Tuition East London
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
8-10 Penny Brookes Street,
London, E20 1BN
