The M&M Piano Practice Game
This game can also be used to practice the violin, guitar, voice, or any other instrument.
Materials:
A bag of M&M’s, or any other form of bribery! You can also use stickers, temporary tattoos, Cheerio’s, jelly beans, or anything small that will provide instant gratification.
A pencil (option)
How to play:
irst, decide on how long a section of the music your child needs to practice. Most teachers will write down specific practice sections for your child to practice. If that is the case, mark those with a pencil and number them. These are your practice spots. If your child’s teacher hasn’t marked any specific practice sections ask your child to show you where the hard parts are in the music, and then circle and number them. For younger children that are playing shorter pieces, you can use the whole piece as your practice spot for this piano practice game.
Next, decide how many times in a row you will play each practice spot to earn your treat! I usually recommend between 3 and 10 times, depending on the age of the child and the length of the practice spot.
Line up your M&M’s and start playing! As soon as your child gets to the end of their practice spot, they can munch a candy, or earn a sticker, etc., and then they start again. Watch the rows of chocolates disappear, and watch your child’s piano practice get better and better!
