Piano teacher encourages young piano student to hit 1,000 days of practice (2.7 years)

A 10 year old piano student completed 1,000 days of piano practice, after a 100-day challenge by his piano instructor turned into 10 consecutive challenges (lasting 2.75 years).

Want to become better at playing the piano, or for that matter, any other musical instrument? The only way is to practice, and that is where most beginners falter, be it children or adults. Most students practice the first few weeks, because of the initial excitement, but that excitement soon begins to wear off, which then impacts the practice sessions.

Now here’s some inspiration for all music students out there.

Matthew deGoey, 10, decided to practice double sessions to make up for the missed days (when his family went on vacation, and he could not take his piano along).

The rule for the 100-Day Practice Challenge that music teacher and composer Henry Flurry initially set before his students was simple: “practice every day for 100 days in a row”.

However, he Henry decided to revise the rule when one student arrived in tears having missed a day due to illness. Flurry revised his rules to include, “If you miss a day, you can make it up by doing two complete practices as assigned within the same day, each practice at least an hour apart.”

So when Matthew completed his goal recently, Flurry surprised him with a cake with a large “1,000” across the top.

Matthew and his three younger siblings all take music lessons — Matthew also takes violin — Jonathan plays piano and started Suzuki cello, and the twins, Liam and Ethan are taking piano and cello, respectively.

“No, I have no musical background which is why Matthew is taking piano. I really miss that. I am so envious of that ability — to tap out a melody,” said his mother, Marguerite Kirk.

How does one schedule practice time for four children on three different instruments – piano, violin, cello?

The mother says “Keep it consistent”. Matthew practices violin in a back bedroom and then piano in the morning, Jonathan on piano in the afternoon, followed by Liam. Ethan and Jonathan practice cello together in the morning.

The 100-Day Challenge tends to create a stronger practice routine and diminish conflict at home, Flurry said, adding that he sees an increase in growth, motivation and enthusiasm. “Students are more confident in their performance, and they arrive at lessons even more eager to demonstrate their week’s accomplishments.”

Achieving 1,000 days means Matthew has practiced daily almost one-quarter of his life, 2.7 years.