How Much Practice
IS ENOUGH?
Parents are always asking us,“How much should my child practice at home?” The answer is largely dependent on how much emphasis you place on music in the big picture of your child’s education. It’s true that the more your child practices, the faster they will progress, but it’s important to not force the issue too hard and cause them to burn out. As a baseline, we recommend 10-plus minutes per day for ages 5 to 7; 15-plus minutes per day for ages 8 to 10; 20-plus minutes per day for ages 11 to 13; and 30- plus minutes per day for ages 13 and up. Most importantly, it’s vital that you keep practice consistent. If your child practices an hour on Sunday, and doesn’t touch the instrument again until Friday, they’re going to lose a lot of the progress made in the previous practice session. It would be better to spread those 60 minutes evenly over the week. That way
their mind and muscles stay primed and no time is wasted relearning old techniques.
The more practicing becomes a part of a child’s routine, the less it will seem like work. Designate a certain time of day as music practice time. They may fight it for a few weeks, but eventually resistance will subside and it will just be another part of their day. Really, though, the best practice doesn’t result from a timer, but from the tangible setting and meeting of goals within the session. Instructors agree that the length of practice is less important than the measurable amount of progress. Break down the week’s practice assignments with your child, and help them decide which tasks should be accomplished during practice each day. When they meet those goals, they have the satisfaction of a job well-done!
Laugh Break
Recipe of the Month: SUMMERTIME FROZEN YOGURT PIE
Looking for a summer dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging in? Try this easy, low-fat frozen treat!
Ingredients
• • •
1 premade graham cracker pie crust 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip
1 cup frozen or fresh mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries) 3 (6-ounce) containers regular yogurt (berry flavors work best)
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Instructions
1. Combine Cool Whip, mixed berries, and yogurt in a bowl. Mix with a spatula until well-blended. 2. Pour yogurt mixture into pie crust. 3. Cover pie with foil or plastic lid. 4. Store in freezer for at least 3 hours, or until frozen through. 5. Serve frozen or slightly thawed.
Recipe inspired by bonappetit.com.
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