How important is technical work?

If you’ve ever listened to your child practise scales or exercises and thought, “This sounds nothing like the beautiful music I imagined they’d be playing”, you’re not alone. Many parents (and plenty of students) wonder why technical work is such a big part of music lessons.

Here’s the truth: technical work may not sound exciting, but it’s one of the most important ingredients in becoming a confident, capable musician.

What Do We Mean by “Technical Work”?

Technical work is the behind-the-scenes training that supports every piece of music your child learns. It can include:

• Scales and arpeggios – practising patterns of notes to build fluency

• Finger exercises – strengthening the muscles used in playing

• Rhythm drills – improving timing and coordination

• Etudes or short studies – mini-pieces designed to target specific skills

Think of it like sport: athletes don’t just play matches, they also train their bodies through drills, warm-ups, and fitness routines. Musicians are no different.

Why Is It Important?

1. It Builds Strength and Control

Just as a gymnast stretches and conditions their muscles, technical work strengthens the hands, voice, and mind. This makes it easier to play longer pieces without fatigue.

2. It Creates Fluency

When students practise scales and patterns, they start recognising them in real music. Suddenly, that “tricky passage” in a song feels familiar because they’ve already met it in their technical work.

3. It Builds Confidence on Stage

The more comfortable a student is with their instrument, the more confident they’ll feel performing. Technical skills mean fewer slips and more freedom to focus on expression.

4. It Develops Musical Thinking

Technical work isn’t just about the fingers. It trains the brain to understand how music is built. That understanding leads to creativity—writing songs, improvising, or arranging music.

But Isn’t It… Boring?

This is the number one concern we hear from parents and students. And yes, if taught poorly, technical work can feel like a chore.

At Music Makers Academy, we take a different approach:

• Purpose-Driven Practice: We explain why a skill matters before practising it. Students know what they’re working toward.

• Playful Approaches: For younger students, we often turn scales into games, challenges, or duets so it doesn’t feel like “homework.”

• Integration into Music: Technical exercises are paired with real pieces, so students see how the two connect.

• Personalisation: Every student is different. Some thrive on structured exercises, others on creative approaches. We adapt accordingly.

The Big Picture

Technical work isn’t the whole of music—but it’s the foundation. Without it, learning pieces is slower, harder, and often more frustrating. With it, students progress more quickly, enjoy greater freedom, and stick with music for longer.

Our philosophy is simple: less rote, more creativity. Technical work gives students the tools, but joy is always the goal.

A Final Note for Parents

If you sometimes struggle to encourage your child through scales or exercises, you’re not failing. It’s normal. The key is helping them see technical work as a stepping stone, not an obstacle.

At Music Makers Academy, we design lessons so technical work feels purposeful, not painful. The result? Students who not only play songs they love, but also have the skills to keep growing for years to come.

Curious about how we balance technique with creativity in our programs? Click the buttom below and we’ll send you details about the program that’s right for your child.