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When kids are first learning to play the violin, they'll get frustrated very quickly. Playing scales over and over again gets boring after just a few minutes, so it's normal for them to want to stop. Don't set high goals for the first few weeks. Instead, have your child practice for 5-15 minutes a day, then increase their sessions when their teacher recommends it.  Ask your child's teacher for advice on how long they should be practicing. Make it a habit to ask, “How many minutes a day should they practice this week?” after every class. If your child says they want to keep playing, let them continue practicing, and praise them for trying so hard. Say, “I'm really impressed with your work ethic!” Ask your child's teacher what skills they should be focused on. Then, set a small, measurable goal to help your child work toward the skills they're learning. Tell your child what the goal is, as well as why their working towards it.  For instance, the goal might be to "play the scale perfectly," "hold the bow correctly," or "play the first section perfectly." Do your best to set a goal that your child can attain during this session. If you're not sure what to do, ask their teacher what kinds of goals they should be pursuing at this stage of their development. Earning rewards will give your child an incentive to practice, and you can decide how and when they get rewarded. Your rewards can be anything that motivates your child. For instance, you might reward them with something like:   Screen time Candy Their favorite food Fun pencils Gel pens Coupons to get out of chores New violin accessories Books Gift cards for their favorite streaming services If your child has to work hard to get their violin out for practice, they'll be less motivated to do it. The act of taking something out and putting it away may become an easy excuse to skip practice for the day. Instead, keep the violin within easy reach. You may even put it on a display stand in your child's room rather than in a case. If you keep the violin on display, it's very important that it get used often. Otherwise, dust may build up on it. If your child is the only one in their friend group who is learning an instrument, they may feel like they're missing out when their friends do other activities. Having a friend who plays violin may encourage your child to stick with it. Additionally, they may enjoy practicing together.  Talk to the parents of other children who attend lessons with your child's teacher to find out if they have a child around the same age as yours. If your child goes to a music school, go to their events so that you and your child can meet the other students. There are apps that help you learn different instruments, including violin. Your child may feel more motivated to practice if they're using an app. You can find apps that switch up lessons, give motivation, and let your child connect with other kids who play the violin. For instance, you can try the Better Practice App.
Start with 5-15 minute practice sessions, then slowly increase the time. Make goals for each practice session so your child has purpose. Reward your child when they reach practice goals. Keep the violin in a spot where it's easily accessible. Encourage your child to make friends who also play violin. Try a practice app to motivate your child.