As a team of active, experienced private music teachers, we spend our days sitting side-by-side with young beginners, guiding their first musical steps. One question we hear from parents all the time is how to help your child improve at piano without turning practice into a chore. The good news? There’s a simple, teacher-approved strategy that can make a big difference — and it’s something we use in nearly every lesson.
Here’s the secret we share with the families we work with — making a “problem list” is one of the most effective ways to help a child improve at piano.
What Is a Problem List (And Why It Works)?
A problem list is a simple tool that helps students focus their energy where it matters most. Instead of practicing a piece from start to finish (and usually starting over every time something goes wrong), we teach our students to identify specific sections that need more attention. This could be a tricky measure, a hand position that’s causing confusion, or a rhythm that just doesn’t feel right yet.
Think of it like homework with purpose. By working on these smaller “problem spots” regularly, students see faster improvement — and feel more confident each time they sit at the piano.
How We Use Problem Lists with Our Students
When we introduce the problem list concept to our younger students, we do it gently and with lots of encouragement. During lessons, we’ll say things like:
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“Let’s circle this measure—it’s a little tough, but we can beat it together.”
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“This spot keeps tripping you up. Want to make it your challenge of the week?”
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“Let’s write this on your list so you can focus on it this week.”
We don’t overwhelm our students. In fact, most of our beginners have just two or three “problems” at a time. Once they conquer one, they get to cross it off — and that simple act is often a huge motivator.
How Parents Can Help at Home
You don’t need to be a musician to support your child’s progress. In fact, the most helpful thing you can do is be a calm, supportive presence during practice time. Here are a few ideas we suggest to families:
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Check the problem list together: Ask your child what they’re working on this week and celebrate small wins.
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Use short practice sessions: Five focused minutes on a tough section is worth more than 20 minutes of playing through a whole song.
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Stay positive: If your child gets frustrated, remind them how great it feels to master something that once felt impossible.
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Talk with the teacher: We love when parents are involved. Ask us what’s on your child’s problem list and how you can reinforce it at home.
Why This Method Works So Well
We’ve seen it time and time again — when kids have a clear plan and know exactly what to work on, their practice becomes more effective and less stressful. They stop dreading piano and start feeling proud of their progress.
This kind of intentional practice also builds real-life skills: perseverance, patience, and problem-solving. And that’s something they can carry with them far beyond the piano bench.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Whether your child is just starting out or feeling stuck in their progress, we’re here to help. Every one of our teachers is passionate about helping beginners thrive — not just through better practice, but through connection, encouragement, and music that fits each student.
Want to learn more about how our in-home music lessons work? Get in touch with us today and we’ll match your child with a teacher who fits their personality, pace, and goals.
