How to structure a practice session

By Eliza Bourgault – Founder, Music Makers Academy & Host of Raising Musos

Practising a musical instrument isn’t just about playing through a piece from start to finish — and it certainly isn’t about filling up a timer. If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child get more out of their practice time (without the stress or power struggles), this blog post is for you.

At Music Makers Academy, we believe the quality of practice matters far more than the quantity. A well-structured practice session can help students progress faster, enjoy their music more, and build confidence in their ability to learn and improve.

Here’s a simple structure that can make all the difference — whether your child is a complete beginner or an advancing muso.

🎯 The Golden Rule: Quality Over Quantity

Let’s start by busting a myth: more practice doesn’t always mean better results.

What truly matters is mindful, goal-oriented practice. Even 20–30 minutes of focused practice can produce better outcomes than an hour of distracted repetition. Think of it like this — we’re not just playing more, we’re playing smarter.

🎹 The Ideal Practice Structure: 5 Key Elements

Here’s a structure we recommend at Music Makers Academy. You can adjust the time spent on each section depending on your child’s age and attention span.

1️⃣ Warm-Up (5–10 mins)

Just like athletes warm up their bodies, musicians need to warm up their fingers, minds, and ears.

Some good warm-up activities include:

• Scales, arpeggios, or finger exercises

• Breathing or vocal warm-ups (for singers and wind players)

• Posture checks and simple stretches

Warming up sets the tone for productive practice and helps prevent strain or injury.

2️⃣ Technical Work (10–15 mins)

This is the “building blocks” phase — it might not be the most thrilling part, but it’s essential for long-term growth.

Some ideas:

• Scales for finger strength and dexterity

• Etudes or short technical exercises

• Sight-reading new material

• Focused repetition on technique or tone

This section builds the foundation for ease, control, and fluency at the instrument.

3️⃣ Repertoire Practice (20–30 mins)

Here’s where your child works on their pieces — but not just by playing them over and over.

Instead:

• Break tricky pieces into small, manageable sections

• Use slow, careful repetition to build accuracy

• For pianists, try hands separately before combining

• Focus on problem-solving, not just getting to the end

Intentional work on the repertoire helps students feel empowered and capable.

4️⃣ Musicality & Expression (5–10 mins)

Once the notes and rhythms are solid, it’s time to make music. This is where creativity, emotion, and storytelling come into play.

Encourage your child to explore:

• Dynamics (loud/soft) and phrasing

• Articulation (smooth vs. bouncy notes)

• Mood and character of the music

This part often reignites joy in the piece and helps your child connect with their music on a deeper level.

5️⃣ Cool-Down & Reflection (5 mins)

End the session on a positive note (literally and emotionally).

Some ideas:

• Play a favourite song

• Improvise or compose a short melody

• Chat about what went well during the session

Reflection helps create a sense of achievement and gives students something to look forward to next time.

⚠️ Common Practice Pitfalls

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• 🚫 Mindless Repetition: Repeating mistakes only reinforces them.

• 🚫 Skipping the Warm-Up: This can lead to tension and poor technique.

• 🚫 No Clear Goals: Every session should have a purpose.

• 🚫 Practising When Tired or Distracted: Short, focused practice wins every time.

💬 Final Thoughts

A structured practice routine helps students stay focused, make meaningful progress, and enjoy their learning more. As a parent, you don’t need to be a music expert — just help guide the process and create a consistent, supportive environment.

If your child follows even a loose version of this structure, you'll start to notice more confidence, motivation, and even a few proud performances around the house!

Have a practice routine that works well for your family? I’d love to hear about it!

📩 Send us a message on Instagram at @musicmakersacademy or email us at hello@musicmakersacademy.com.au.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more insights on music education!