Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect—It Makes Permanent

This idea emphasizes that practicing incorrectly can cause mistakes to stick and turn into unwanted habits. For this reason, practice must be intentional and precise. But what does “perfect” practice mean? It should be slow, goal-oriented, and broken down into small sections.

You’ll often hear me say during lessons, “Please practice slowly.” Practicing slowly allows the mind and body to work together, helping students execute what they intend. Repeating something mindlessly often leads to inconsistent results and frustration. When a child practices too hastily, mistakes are overlooked, embedding those errors into muscle memory. Correcting such mistakes later takes twice as much effort. Purposeful and well-thought-out actions during practice build confidence, comfort, and a solid foundation.

Being goal-oriented means knowing what kind of sound you want to create. You’ll also hear me say, “Piano is the art of sound.” Listening carefully to the sounds being produced is as important for a pianist as choosing colors is for a painter. Even better, a student should imagine the desired sound in their mind before touching the keys. Imagination plays a key role in this process: for example, thinking of a bunny hopping can inspire staccato notes, a steady walk in the snow might guide portato, and a gentle sway could inform legato. When a child envisions the desired sound, their chances of playing it correctly improve dramatically.

Finally, the “divide and conquer” approach is crucial. It can feel overwhelming to tackle an entire piece at once. That’s why breaking it into small sections—sometimes as small as one measure—is essential. Working in small sections allows for greater focus, attention to detail, and measurable progress. While this method may feel slower, it is the most effective way to learn and perform a piece to the highest standard.

I hope these tips make your child’s practice sessions more meaningful, enjoyable, and productive!