How Does My Instructor Know If I Don't Practice?

I remember sitting outside of audition rooms as a child. I would listen to the other children playing their piano pieces and I could tell if they were students who practiced all the time, or students who had "crammed" for the audition. If a student was very nervous and was making mistakes, oddly there was a sound that I could still hear that let me know the student was serious about music.

When I got to college it was the same, but more pronounced. You had students who had been accepted into the studios of Misha Kottler and other notable instructors. However, you could tell they were not taking advantage of the privilege and not practicing with consistency. Oh, they hit all the correct notes and rhythms - the articulations were even there - but that sound that comes from regular practice wasn't there. The professors were so kind and patient with all of us. But I knew if I could hear the lack of practice, they definitely were hearing it. 

As an instructor, I can even tell when very young, primary level students, practice: It doesn't matter how simple the piece. As a judge, in many events throughout the years and, at many different levels, I always hear the student's dedication within the first few measures.

There is a sound that comes from regular practice. Everyone has a different name for the sound. It is unmistakeable. I have many students with neurodivergent diagnoses. Some of those parents ask that I enter their children in events without revealing their diagnosis. They want their child mainstreamed as much as possible. These children struggle to perform and memorize the music. However, I always smile when I read the resulting comments. The judges always indicate on their assessments that they can tell the child has consistently worked very hard on the music. That sound always comes through.

I think the most difficult thing for an instructor is when you have to broach the topic of practice with a student and the student (out of fear) does not tell you the truth. Instructors bring up the subject because we want to know how we can help you create a life pattern that will help you practice regularly. 

But, even more disheartening, is when a parent looks you in the eye and tells you a story about their child's regular practice schedule that does not match what you are hearing from the child's performance. This is very concerning, it means that the parent is ignorant, or they are blocking the instructor's attempts at helping their child become a better musician. And in the long run, the parent is giving the child a continued excuse for poor practice.

It is a crucial point when discussions about lack of practice become a regular conversation. Be honest with your instructors. We are here to help you achieve and we want you to be your best.