Getting kids to practice the piano is sometimes unpleasant. If you think I’m exaggerating, take a look at this unstaged picture of my daughter, India, who indulges in a moment of despair every time she starts a new song. I can’t imagine from whom she inherited her dramatic flair. (Wink, wink, nod, nod. Family not-secret . . . it’s me.)

But with a little patience, some polish, and, well, a piano, plinking fingers soon turn out impressive harmonies. The following suggestions are for parents of piano players and—as a bonus—require zero music comprehension skills.

1. Establish a consistent practice time.

It’s easy for your children to forget (or neglect) to practice unless you set up a consistent schedule.  I have to remind my girls, ages 11 and 8, to get their practicing done before school, but it’s less of a battle than it could be because they know that practice time is part of our daily routine. Side note: the most important day for your child to practice the piano is the day after his or her lesson, when instructions and demonstrations from the teacher are still fresh in your child’s memory.

2. Break it down.

Working on a new song, section, or concept can be overwhelming. (Right, India?) Learning to play hands together with the correct rhythm is a lot of multitasking for the brain. The easiest way to help your child break down a song is by spot practicing, which looks like this:

• Pick four measures (or simply, pick a short section of music) to focus on.
• Practice the right hand five times.
• Practice the left hand five times.
• Practice hands together five times.
• Repeat as needed.

3. Focus on the notes first. Then get the rhythm.

When your child is learning a new piece, it’s usually best if you help him or her focus on learning the notes first. Then you can go back and help them work on the rhythm. Don’t worry if you can’t read musical notes or count perfect rhythm. The important thing is that you’re helping your child learn how to break down a problem into smaller, manageable tasks. Your child’s piano teacher will help correct any mistakes along the way.

4. Be a supportive piano buddy.

Take time to give your child genuine praise and encouragement:

• “Thank you for filling our home with music.”
• “I like how slowly you played through your song.”
• “I love hearing you count out loud!”
• “Good job fixing that mistake.”
• “Thanks for practicing even though you didn’t feel like it today. You set a good example of doing hard things for our family.”

When you give positive feedback, you show your child how to enjoy playing the piano rather than just trying to hit all the right notes. You teach your child not to be frustrated and ashamed of mistakes, because mistakes are stepping-stones in the learning process.

The skills your children develop on a piano bench—being organized, solving problems, showing confidence—will help them in every aspect of their lives. Excellence isn’t an act. It’s a habit.

Erin Wiemers is a wife, mom of three, former English teacher, tulip- and tomato-grower, gym go-er, and piano teacher in Centerville, Utah. She has been playing the piano for 29 years and teaching piano lessons for seven and a half years.