Michael Hemsworth • July 31, 2025
Turning Practice Struggles into Progress
Practice Makes Perfect - Overcoming Challenges
Hi Music Maker Families!
I’m Mr. Michael from NewSongs Music School, and if you’ve ever heard your child groan at the mention of practice time—you’re not alone.
Whining, stalling, bargaining, outright refusal… Sound familiar? These moments can leave even the most patient parent wondering, “Is this even worth it?”
Here’s the truth: Yes, it is. And it can get better.
First—You’re Not Failing
Let me start by saying this clearly:
If practice has been a struggle in your home, that doesn’t mean your child isn’t musical. And it definitely doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.
Learning to play an instrument is hard. It’s full of highs and lows, breakthroughs and breakdowns. And just like learning to read, ride a bike, or tie shoes—it takes time, support, and a whole lot of grace.
Sometimes your child is frustrated because it’s challenging.
Sometimes they’re bored because it’s repetitive.
And sometimes… they just forget!
This is all normal.
What You Can Do: Simple, Supportive Strategies
Here are a few things I’ve seen work wonders over the years—for my students, my own kids, and yes, even myself:
🎵 1. Create a Consistent Routine
Choose one regular time each day for practice. Maybe it’s right after school, before dinner, or five minutes before bed. Predictability lowers resistance and builds habit.
Even 5–10 minutes a day makes a difference. You don’t need marathon sessions—just moments of focused attention.
🎵 2. Celebrate the Little Things
Did they finally play that tricky part without stopping? Nail the rhythm in measure three? Play a whole song from memory? Celebrate it. Clap, smile, high-five.
These small wins might seem ordinary, but they fuel the motivation to keep going.
🎵 3. Be Present, Even Briefly
You don’t need to be musical yourself. Just be curious.
Ask: “Can I hear your favorite part?”
Or: “What’s the hardest part today?”
Being there shows your child their effort is seen and valued.
🎵 4. Use a Timer—And Keep It Short
Set a timer for 5–10 minutes and say, “Let’s just focus during this time.” Once it becomes routine, kids often surprise us by wanting to keep going.
It’s About Progress, Not Perfection
At NewSongs, we remind students—and their parents—that perfection isn’t the goal. Growth is.
Mistakes? They’re not only okay—they’re essential.
Each wrong note is a step toward the right one.
Each moment of struggle builds grit, patience, and resilience.
When a student works through a challenge, they’re not just becoming better musicians—they’re becoming more confident and capable human beings.
From One Parent to Another
As a parent myself, I get it. Some days you’re the coach, the cheerleader, the timekeeper, and the motivational speaker all rolled into one.
Take a deep breath. You’re doing great.
And remember—you're not alone. Our teachers at NewSongs are here not just to teach your child, but to support you, too. We love helping families find creative ways to make practice time feel rewarding, even fun.
Because at NewSongs, we’re not just teaching music.
We’re supporting growth through music.
If you’d like tips specific to your child or want to talk through what practice could look like at home, I’d love to chat. We’re in this together—one note at a time.
With encouragement,
Mr. Michael
Founder of NewSongs Music School
Author of Mr. Michael’s Music Maker Manual
Parents ask this question all the time: Are music lessons really worth the money? It’s a fair question. With so many activities competing for your (and your child’s) time - and your family’s budget - you want to make sure the investment pays off. At NewSongs Music, we believe the answer is a big yes . Music lessons aren’t just about learning notes; they’re about building skills, confidence, and joy that last a lifetime. Let’s break it down in plain language, so you can decide what’s right for your family. The Real Benefits of Music Lessons Music shapes kids in ways that go far beyond playing an instrument. Sharper thinking: Music uses every part of the brain. Kids who take lessons often build stronger memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Better in school: The same skills used to keep a steady beat or recognize patterns help with math, reading, and language. Confidence that sticks: Whether it’s playing a song for grandma or performing at a recital, kids learn how to push through nerves and feel proud of what they’ve accomplished. Life lessons disguised as music: Patience, perseverance, discipline—music teaches them all. Emotional outlet: Music helps kids express themselves, manage stress, and discover a healthy way to process feelings. Social skills: In group lessons or ensembles, children learn to listen, collaborate, and create something bigger than themselves. And here’s something many parents don’t realize: even the physical side of music matters. Playing piano, violin, or guitar builds fine motor skills, coordination, and mind-body connection. What About the Cost? This is usually the toughest part. Music lessons are an investment—both financially and in time. Prices vary depending on the instrument, whether lessons are private or group, and how long each session lasts. Private lessons (one-on-one) typically cost more, but they move at your child’s pace. Group lessons are usually more affordable and give kids a fun, social learning experience. Instrument costs can add up, but many families start with rentals until they know their child is committed. At NewSongs, most families spend somewhere between $140–$200 per month for weekly lessons. That’s often less than the cost of sports leagues or gymnastics—and the benefits last just as long, if not longer. Is It Really Worth It? Think of it this way: you’re not just paying for lessons. You’re giving your child a foundation of creativity, confidence, and resilience. Music is something they can carry into every part of life—school, friendships, and even future careers. And then there’s the joy factor. The look on your child’s face when they master their first song? Priceless. The sound of them filling your home with music? Worth every penny. Common Questions Parents Ask: What age should my child start? Some programs begin as early as preschool, but ages 5–7 are great for starting piano or violin. Older kids can jump in anytime—it’s never too late. How much should my child practice? For young beginners, 10–15 minutes a day is plenty. The key is consistency, not marathon sessions. What if they lose interest? It happens! Sometimes it’s the instrument, sometimes it’s the routine. Talk with the teacher, try a new instrument, or explore group lessons to keep the spark alive. Are group lessons as good as private? They’re different. Private lessons give individualized attention. Group lessons build teamwork and motivation. Many families choose both at different times. Final Note: An Investment in Harmony Music lessons are more than a line in your budget - they’re a gift your child will carry for a lifetime. At NewSongs Music, our C.A.R.E. values ( Curiosity, Acceptance, Respect, Expression ) guide everything we do. We want your child not only to learn music, but to grow and discover who they are through it. So, are music lessons worth it? Absolutely. Because when your child learns music, they’re not just making notes on a page—they’re making themselves.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to know whether your child has hidden musical potential—before they even pick up an instrument? That’s exactly what music aptitude tests can reveal. Music aptitude tests are designed to measure your child’s potential to learn music—not what they’ve already learned. They assess how well a child can mentally organize sounds, tones, and rhythms, even without formal training. For children ages 3 to 8, two widely used assessments are: Audie (for ages 3–4): Uses simple songs and a character to engage very young children in recognizing musical patterns. Primary Measures of Music Audiation (PMMA) (for kindergarten–3rd grade): Measures how well a child can hear and make sense of tonal and rhythm patterns. These tests aren’t about performance—they’re about listening. Your child doesn’t need to read music or sing on pitch. Instead, the tests quietly assess how their brain responds to musical structure. Why test at all? 🎶 Discover untapped musical potential. 🎶 Track your child’s growth year after year. 🎶 Make better decisions about music classes or instruments. 🎶 Catch musical frustration early (just like reading struggles). 🎶 Tailor instruction to meet your child where they are. What if scores go up or down? An increase in aptitude scores over time means your child is growing in their musical understanding. A decrease may suggest their environment isn’t giving them the stimulation they need—and that’s something you can change. Even average scores can blossom with consistent exposure and the right support. Every child deserves a chance to explore their musical self. Music aptitude testing, especially when paired with a rich, musical home life, helps parents make wise, informed decisions about nurturing their child’s creativity. Because music isn’t just for the talented—it’s for the growing.
You don’t need to be a musician to raise one. In fact, the most powerful musical moments at home often happen when no one is trying too hard—when a song is playing, someone is humming, or a child is dancing freely to music they don’t fully “understand.” Here’s how to build your child’s musical brain between ages 3 and 8: Play High-Quality Music Often Children unconsciously absorb the music they hear—just like language. Classical, jazz, folk, world music, and instrumental tracks with changing tone and rhythm help build musical understanding. Avoid only using music made “for kids.” Rich adult music works just as well (sometimes better!). Sing and Move Together Encourage singing—even silly sounds or nonsense syllables. The voice is a child’s first instrument. Combine singing with movement like clapping, swaying, or jumping to the beat. This helps them “speak music,” not just listen to it. Let Music Be a Routine, not a Lesson Music doesn’t need to be taught like math. It should be part of everyday life: during car rides, bath time, or while getting ready for bed. The more music is woven into your child’s daily world, the more they’ll develop the mental framework to understand it later. The way your child listens, sings, and moves with music today lays the foundation for everything they’ll be able to do with music tomorrow. In our final post, we’ll look at how to measure that foundation—and why it matters.