Yes! Having an instrument at home is essential for progress. A well-maintained acoustic piano is ideal. I realise a piano is a significant financial investment for most families, so a keyboard or digital piano with weighted keys is okay for beginners. However, only an acoustic piano will enable a student to develop the technique for more advanced repertoire.

Please discuss this with Sheila Guymer in person before you make a costly mistake! Usually, a ‘free to good home’ piano or ‘Aunt Mary’s old piano’ won’t be suitable. Note that piano tuners may refuse to tune such an instrument as it will be a waste of your money.

Piano Tuner and Technician Ben Taylor at heirloompianos.com.au can also help you. You can book online for Ben to tune your piano, or telephone him on 0414 549 179.  

Encouragement and reminders help, but try not to nag, cajole, or bribe your child if they’re not practicing. The most effective way is to help your child establish a regular time and place for practice so that it’s part of a daily routine, then give plenty of positive feedback when they DO practice.

Provide support in keeping materials ready: music books, pencil, metronome. Occasionally listen or observe lessons / recordings to understand what to work on at home. If a child seems discouraged, check out the Practice Tips page for suggestions.

A good, flat-topped bench/chair at the right height so that feet are flat on the floor (use a footstool for smaller students), and forearms are level with the ground (not sloping up or down).

Good lighting on the music and keys (avoid glare or strong shadows).

A quiet space without distractions, away from where practice will annoy others, e.g. away from the TV room or kitchen.

A good ambient temperature: It’s hard to concentrate if you’re feeling too cold or hot. Keep acoustic pianos away from direct heat (sunlight or a heater).

Keep music books, pencil, metronome, and other lesson materials nearby so you don’t lose practice time looking for them. Most students use a bag for this purpose, which they also bring to lessons.

Younger beginners (ages ~5–8): perhaps 10-20 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week. Aim to work on 10 different pieces a day from their beginner method books.

More experienced students: 30-60 minutes (or the length of their lesson) every day, possibly split into two shorter sessions.

Consistency matters more than long, irregular sessions. Even short daily practice beats long but sporadic sessions.

Regularly ask your child if they’d like to play something for you (even if it’s ‘work in progress’), but accept their decision promptly and gracefully if they decline.

Let me know ahead of time and I’ll try to provide alternate options (e.g. theory work, listening assignments).

We can do “virtual practice” ideas: analyse the score, or listen to recordings of your pieces. Or perhaps you could play on a substitute instrument if one is available.