Is your piano hiding in a cave? how to create a successful playing space in your home (without renovating your entire house)

Let’s face it: kids today have a lot going on. School, homework, sports, activities… and somewhere in the mix, they’re also supposed to be learning an instrument. Music lessons can be a highlight of their week—or a frustrating struggle—depending on a few key things. And one of the most overlooked, but truly important factors? The playing environment at home.
​
Before I go on, a disclaimer: I don't typically do a lot of promoting home practice, and almost hate to use the word "practice" because it's usually just unproductive repetition of what's already familiar to the student. The philosophy in our studio has always been that practice and mastery should happen during the lesson, with students encouraged to enjoy what they've learned by playing at home for fun and for family.  On we go.

That said...a short story: I don’t typically do in-home lessons. I prefer to teach in my own studio where everything’s set up for success and focus. But several years ago, I made a rare exception for a sweet student who had broken her leg.  She couldn’t come to me, so I came to her.
​
The family was lovely—truly supportive of music, always encouraging, and a joy to work with. But when I arrived, I was completely caught off guard by the practice setup. The home itself was clean, well-kept, and beautiful. But the piano? Not so much.

It was an antique upright, which I usually love. (I’m not picky about having a brand-new instrument or a few sticky keys—character is part of the charm!) But this one was beyond tuning. Several keys and strings were broken, and there wasn’t even a bench—just a kitchen chair that left my student practically playing with her elbows in the air and the music up around her forehead.
​
To make things harder, the piano was in a dim nook near the front door, with one window covered by heavy drapes and no lighting whatsoever. Our lesson started at 6:30pm, and by the end, we were basically playing in the dark. Not exactly inspiring.

And because the nook was right between the kitchen and family room, there were siblings walking by, TV noise, dinner being made—it was a perfect storm of distractions. There wasn’t even a place to keep her lesson books nearby; she had to go to another part of the house just to grab her materials.

Again, this is not a critique of the house or the family. They were supportive and gracious, and I know they cared about their daughter’s musical progress. But it really hit me that even the most supportive parents may not realize how much the environment matters. This student, despite everyone’s best intentions, was practicing in a space that made it nearly impossible to focus, improve, or enjoy music. In our studio, we mostly encourage students to play at home for enjoyment (rather than repetitive "practice" that doesn't really go anywhere)...but this space was clearly not a place anyone would voluntarily go to for fun.

So, What Does a Great Playing Space Look Like?

It doesn’t need to be fancy. But it does need to be functional. Here are a few simple things that make a big difference:

Let There Be Light!
A dim, dreary corner doesn’t inspire much. Whether natural or artificial, light helps with focus, posture, and visibility. A good lamp next to the piano is an easy fix—one you’ll thank yourself for the moment your child stops squinting at their music.

Have a Proper Seat
A piano bench, stool, or chair that puts the student at the right height makes a world of difference. If their knees are above their elbows or they’re hunched over like Quasimodo, it’s time to re-evaluate.

Keep Music Books Nearby
Having to dig through a backpack or run to the next room is one more hurdle between “I should practice” and “Never mind, I’m going to play Minecraft instead.” A basket, shelf, or even a repurposed magazine holder keeps materials organized and within reach.

Minimize Distractions (When You Can)
We get it—most families aren’t working with a spare soundproof music room. But even if your piano is in a shared space, try to carve out a few distraction-free minutes. Turn the TV down, lower kitchen noise, or simply say, “Hey everyone—quiet time while your sister practices!” It goes a long way.

Make It a Space They Want to Be In
Add a little personality. A favorite music poster, a comfy rug, a fun plant, even a motivational quote taped to the wall. Show your child that music matters enough to have a space that feels inviting and inspiring.

Final Thoughts:
You don’t need to move walls or buy a grand piano to create a great practice environment. But thinking intentionally about where and how your child is practicing can have a huge impact on how they feel about their lessons—and how far they go.

​Even the most motivated student will struggle in a space that’s dark, noisy, or awkward. A little effort to improve the setup can turn practice from a chore into something they actually look forward to. And hey—when the space is set up right, you might even hear them practicing without being reminded.  Well… occasionally.

​And if you’re ever unsure whether your practice space is helping or hindering your child, ask your teacher. We’re happy to offer ideas, and we’ve seen it all. (Seriously. All of it.)
​
By the Way...
Just a little reminder--home playing is a good thing! Not "practicing"--playing. Having fun. Being inspired and excited about new music. The more time your child spends at their instrument, the more familiar and personal it becomes. Our studio highly encourages playing at home, especially for family and friends. Whether it’s trying out a favorite tune, improvising, or showing off a new piece, these moments build confidence and make music feel like a natural part of everyday life.

That said, one of the unique features of The Music Studio’s program is that teacher-supervised practice is built right into each weekly 60-minute session. That means much of the "practice burden" is lifted from both students and parents—allowing home time to be more about playing enjoyment than practicing.

And when your home music space is inviting, comfortable, and organized, it helps reinforce that playing music isn’t just something to “get through”—it’s something to look forward to.
​
Set the stage, make a little space, and let music feel at home in your home. 🎶

​Thank you for reading! We hope you'll check back in for more tips on making music lessons successful and long lasting!

VIEW OUR WEBSITE