Hello Minim Family, we hope you are doing well!

With more students joining our private lessons for ukulele, piano, and voice, many parents share a common challenge:
How do you get your child to practice their instrument without nagging, frustration, or tears?

As parents, few things compare to the joy of hearing your child play a song you recognize. But reaching that moment takes consistent practice. In this newsletter, we share insights on what makes for effective music practice—and how to make it a positive experience for both you and your child.

The Reality of Practice

For many kids, practice is often a last-minute task squeezed in between homework, playtime, or bedtime. While they may have good intentions, distractions often win.

The good news? With the right approach, practice can become an enjoyable, rewarding part of their routine rather than a chore.

Supporting Your Child in the Early Stages

Learning a new song can feel overwhelming, and kids may get discouraged. A little parental support during practice can make all the difference.

When should parents be involved?
️ The first 10 times learning a new song
️ The first 2 years of piano lessons
️ For kids 5 and under just starting an instrument

Simply sitting with your child during practice can boost their confidence and motivation!

Quality Over Quantity: Core Time Practice

Effective practice is not about how long but how focused. Instead of long, distracted sessions, keep it short and structured.

The 10-20-30 Rule for Learning Songs:

First 10 times: Expect resistance! The song feels unfamiliar, and frustration is common. Small incentives (like a sticker or a short game after practice) can help.

Next 10 times: Familiarity sets in, and they begin to play with more ease. This is where engagement grows.

Final 10 times: They begin memorizing the song and often say, “I don’t need the sheet music anymore!” Confidence soars!

Repetition is key, and this process helps kids see real progress.

Making Practice Fun & Engaging

Listen to different versions of the song—originals, covers, and instrumental renditions.

Make it visual—watching performance videos or attending live music events can be incredibly motivating.

Create a music-friendly space—a dedicated area for practice helps kids focus and feel excited about playing.

‍ Ask the teacher for tips—our teachers are happy to guide parents on how to support at-home practice. We even record short practice clips to share after lessons!

Encouragement Goes a Long Way!

Above all, praise effort over talent. The world’s best musicians succeed not because they were born talented, but because they practiced consistently. By fostering a growth mindset, we help our children develop perseverance—and a lifelong love for music.

We hope these tips help! As always, we are here to support you and your child’s musical journey.

Looking for an enriching and fun-filled summer experience for your child? Our Minim Good Vibes Ukulele Summer Camp is back in Tokyo! This year, we are incorporating Design Thinking, songwriting, slime-making, and an outdoor excursion to make learning music even more engaging and memorable.
 

Dates:

• Week 1: June 30 - July 4
• Week 2: July 21 - July 25
  Location: Nishimachi International School
  Ages: 3-6 & 7-10 (toilet trained)
  ️ Time: 10:00 - 17:00 (Excursion day: 09:00 - 18:00 on Wednesday)

Reserve Now & Save ¥20,000!
We are extending the pre-early bird reservation! Parents who reserve a spot by March 31st will receive a ¥20,000 discount when bookings officially open in April. Do not miss this opportunity to give your child a summer of music, creativity, and adventure!

More details here: Summer Camp Newsletter

We look forward to another unforgettable summer together!

For more information about our teaching team and philosophy, please visit our website at www.minim.family

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to approach any of our teachers, or contact us at contact@minim.family

Love, 
All of us at Minim