Learning an instrument is an incredible journey, but let’s be honest-finding the daily motivation to practice can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. We want to change that.
That is why we are thrilled to introduce the Practice Rewards Program at Music on Magnolia. This new initiative is designed to create motivation, build accountability, and make playing music a daily habit for our students.
Here is a closer look at what the program entails, why we started it, and how you can help build good practice habits for yourself or your young musician.
What is the Practice Rewards Program?
Our goal is to reward consistency and help keep our students honest about how much time they’re committing to their instrument.
Here is how it works:
- Track it: Each week, students fill out their practice log at home with the total minutes they practiced.
- Sign it: A parent (or for adult students, their instructor) simply needs to add their initials to verify the time.
- Submit it: At the end of each month, students turn in their completed practice log to their instructor.
- Win Prizes: Top practicers win awesome prizes!
Each month, we select the Top Practicer from each age group (Under 18 and Over 18) to receive some awesome prizes, including:
- Candy
- Stickers
- A handwritten note from the team
- A FREE Magnolia shirt!
Under 18 winners also get a trophy.
Over 18 winners get a freebie from a local business. Think coffee, drinks, appetizers, discounts to music stores, etc.
Why We Created It (And Our Dream Outcome)
We know that we play for the love of music, not just to win prizes. The main benefit of this program is to help students get real about how much they actually practice. Writing down the minutes provides a visual measure of effort and progress.
Our dream outcome? We want students to stop viewing practice as a chore and start seeing it as a rewarding part of their daily life. The prizes are just a fun little nudge. The real reward is the confidence and skill they build along the way. We want to foster a lifelong love for music where picking up an instrument becomes second nature.
How You Can Help at Home
Your support makes all the difference. Whether you are a parent helping a young learner or an adult student managing your own time, here are the best ways to set the stage for success:
Lead by Example
Kids naturally mirror the adults in their lives. The absolute best thing you can do is play music, too! If you make a habit of making music, they will follow your lead.
If playing an instrument is a bit outside your wheelhouse right now, that is perfectly okay. You can still help them weave practice into their daily rhythm.
Build a Fun Routine
Help your student create a specific time in their schedule to make music a habit. Try to aim for the same-ish time each day. Make it fun and keep it light. Don’t hover and micromanage their sound. Playing an instrument should never feel like finishing a math worksheet, so make sure to give them the freedom to PLAY, not just practice.
Set Up for Success
Environment matters. Make sure your student has everything they need to practice comfortably and effectively. A good practice space includes:
- A sturdy music stand
- Seating at the proper height
- Functioning accessories (tuners, rosin, picks, extra reeds)
- Easy access to both digital and paper music resources
When the instrument out and ready to play, and everything is ready to go, the barriers start to shrink.
Let’s Get Playing
We are so excited to see how the Practice Rewards Program helps our students grow at Music on Magnolia. Grab your practice logs, log the time, and let’s see where this takes us.
If you have any questions or need tips on setting up an effective practice routine, please reach out to your instructor.
