How Long Should Kids Practice Piano?

When a new student begins piano lessons, I’m often asked some version of the question:

“How long should they be practicing?”

Usually, the concern is that if a child doesn’t practice the “right” amount, they won’t make progress. Another common worry is that if practice is pushed too hard, it can start to feel like a chore—something kids resist rather than enjoy. So where’s the happy balance?

Here are three simple rules of thumb I recommend.

Start with small expectations

For younger children (under age 7), begin with just five minutes per practice. For older kids and teens, ten minutes is a great starting point. That’s it.

If they want to keep going, great! But if they’re done after that initial time frame, that’s okay too. Early success matters more than long practice sessions.

Aim for consistency

Consistency matters far more than length. One way to make practice feel more natural is to pair it with something your child already does most days—like after brushing their teeth, coming home from school, or after dinner.

Whenever possible, let your child have input in choosing when they practice. Having a little ownership can go a long way.

Set up the environment for success

Make sure the piano or keyboard is easy to access and ready to play. The less friction there is to getting started, the more likely practice will happen.

Children’s attention spans grow with time and development. The goal early on is to build a habit that feels manageable and positive. Small, consistent practice—paired with your encouragement and positive feedback—sets the foundation for long-term progress.

If you have questions about practice expectations or what works best for your child, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help. Email me at eriemusiclessons@gmail.com