If you’re already part of the Evergreen community—or have thought about returning—we wanted to share a preview of what’s ahead for 2026.

Evergreen has always been about doing music differently: calmer, more thoughtful, and more aligned with how kids actually learn. As we plan for the coming year, we’re building on what has worked best for our students while also creating more flexibility and support where it’s needed.
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Here’s what that looks like.

Piano Labs have been the foundation of Evergreen for 3 years, and they will continue to play an important role in 2026.

Labs are a great fit for students who:

• Enjoy learning alongside peers
• Are "older beginners" who want to blast through (the equivalent to) the first 5 Piano Adventures lesson books FASTER before pursuing private instruction
• Thrive in higher structure and routine
• Like more visible progress and momentum
• Have a busy schedule and need more flexibility with class times & at-home practice

​Our labs, powered by The Piano Express curriculum system, are intentionally designed to be focused and supportive—never chaotic—so students can move forward with confidence while still enjoying the energy of learning among a group.

In 2026, we’re expanding private piano lessons to better support students whose learning needs and personalities are best met one-on-one.

Over time and observing our student data from the past 3 years, we’ve seen that, while shared learning environments (like labs) work beautifully for some students, many children make deeper progress—and stay connected to music longer—when lessons are fully tailored to them in a private lesson setting. Private lessons give teachers and students the space to slow down or move ahead as needed, respond to individual learning styles, help hold kids more accountable for at-home practice so they grow easier, and build confidence in a more focused setting.

Private instruction allows us to:

• Match pacing precisely to each student
• Support a wide range of learning styles
• Reduce overwhelm or distraction
• Focus deeply on technique, musicality, and confidence

As we continue building our staff and student piano community, we would like to offer additional instruments for private lessons, like guitar, drums, voice, ukulele, or others. If you know a high school/college student or professional teacher who values our relationship-based teaching methodology, steady student-centered progress, and creating a positive experience for students—or if you’re a teacher yourself who’s been looking for a studio like us—please connect with Niki.

​Lil’ Trekkers remains our gentle introduction to music for PK4-young 1st graders.

This program focuses on:

• Exploration before expectations
• Movement, listening, and hands-on discovery
• Building comfort with instruments and lessons
• Preparing students for future labs or private instruction

​It’s a 2-level curriculum all about creating joyful first experiences with music that set kids up for success later on.

Our goal for 2026 is simple: to keep music meaningful, impactful, and positive for every student. We especially value your feedback - have a concern about anything, a question about lessons, or something nice to share? We want to know!! Contact Niki or talk with your child's teacher...we want you and your child to have the best experience possible.

If you’re a current family, your place in the Evergreen community remains rooted in the same values you know—thoughtful teaching, clear structure, and care for the whole child.

If you’re considering returning, we’d love to welcome you back to a studio that has grown with intention while staying true to its heart.

Thank you for being part of Evergreen—we’re excited for what’s ahead!

A Worry Nearly Every Parent Secretly Carries—And Why You Can Let It Go

If you’re a parent of a music student, chances are you’ve had this thought at least once:
“Are we disappointing the teacher?”
“Are we doing enough at home?”
“Are we holding our child back?”

You’re not alone—this has been one of the most common stressors Evergreen parents have shared with us lately. And it makes sense. You want the absolute best for your child. You want them to learn, grow, and feel proud of themselves. And when life gets full (school, sports, arts, neurodivergent needs, siblings, sickness, homework…), it’s easy to worry that you’re somehow falling short.

But here’s the truth we want every parent to hear:
You’re not disappointing us. At all.

Evergreen music teachers don’t measure families by perfect practice charts, spotless routines, or flawless attendance. We measure progress moment by moment, brick by brick, in a way that honors real life.

What Evergreen Teachers Actually Care About
1. Your child feeling safe.
If your child walks into the studio trusting that it’s a judgment-free space where they can be themselves—that’s a win.

2. Forward motion, no matter how tiny.
Teachers are trained to look for micro-progress: a more confident hand position, a calmer transition to class, a single measure mastered, a brave attempt after struggling with fear.
Those moments matter far more than a perfectly practiced week.

3. You showing up.
You carved out time. You drove. You remembered. That’s effort. That’s love. That’s enough.

4. Your child connecting with music long-term.
Our goal isn’t to create perfect practicers—it’s to nurture lifelong musicians.
Sometimes that journey is smooth. Sometimes it’s messy. Both paths are normal.

What Evergreen Teachers Don’t Want
We don’t want guilt to run your musical life.
We don’t want pressure to replace joy.
We don’t want practice to become a battleground or a metric of parental worth.
And we definitely don’t want you assuming we’re silently disappointed—because we’re not.

A Message to Parents Who Are Trying Their Best
You don’t need to impress us.
You don’t need to apologize when life gets chaotic.
You don’t need to fear judgment for missed practice, hard weeks, or lack of progress.

Instead, think of us as partners:
We adjust, support, problem-solve, and meet your child exactly where they are each week—no shame, no frustration, no expectations of perfection.

If You’re Worried, Tell Us
One of the most helpful conversations we can have is,
“Hey, we had a tough week—what do you recommend?”

You’re never “getting in trouble.”
You’re never inconveniencing us.
You’re doing exactly what a caring parent does: communicating.

You’re Showing Up—and That’s What Matters
​At the end of the day, our job is to guide. Your job is to love your child.
And you’re already doing that beautifully.

So if that question—“Are we disappointing you?”—has been sitting quietly in the back of your mind…
Let this be your answer:
No. You’re not disappointing us. And we’re in this with you.

If you’ve ever wondered how often piano lessons should be scheduled, you’re not alone! “How many times a week should you have piano lessons?” is one of the most common questions we hear from parents and adult students alike. The truth is, the best lesson frequency depends on your goals, experience, and the type of piano program you’re in.

The Most Common Piano Lesson Schedule
For most students, one lesson per week is the standard — and for good reason. A consistent weekly lesson allows time for:

• Learning new skills in each session
• Practicing and reinforcing those skills at home
• Developing steady progress without feeling rushed or overwhelmed

At Evergreen Music School, our students attend once a week, but our lesson structure gives them more progress per minute than traditional lessons — thanks to our innovative Piano Lab format.

When More Than Once a Week Helps
Students preparing for performances, exams, or rapid advancement may benefit from two lessons per week or additional practice sessions. Younger beginners or highly motivated teens sometimes enjoy this boost to help solidify skills faster.
However, for most families balancing school, sports, and other activities, one efficient weekly lesson—paired with smart practice tools—delivers fantastic results.

Why Our Piano Lab Feels Like More Than One Lesson of Progress
Our Adventurers Accelerated Piano Lab combines the best of private instruction with the fun and flexibility of small-group learning. Students move at their own pace using modern technology, personalized guidance, and self-paced curriculum tools that keep them engaged.
In our lab, students often accomplish the same progress as multiple private lessons per week, all within a single session — making it ideal for busy families who want results without adding more to the calendar.

Private Lessons: When Personalized Focus Matters
For students who thrive with one-on-one attention, our Private Lessons offer direct coaching and tailored lesson plans. These are perfect for:

• Teens preparing for auditions or advanced repertoire
• Adult beginners seeking relaxed, individualized progress
• Students needing extra support with technique or music theory

We’ll help you find the perfect fit — whether that’s our Piano Lab or Private Lessons — based on your goals and learning style.

Our Recommendation
At Evergreen Music School, we recommend:

• 1 lesson per week for most students
• 2 per week for accelerated or performance-focused learners
• Ongoing at-home support with our guided practice tools and online resources

This balanced schedule keeps motivation high and results strong — without overwhelming your week.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Lesson Schedule?
Discover why families in Montgomery and Cincinnati love our innovative approach to piano learning.
🎹 Join our Piano Lab or Private Lesson Program today!

Build confidence, enjoy music, and make faster progress with lessons that are fun, efficient, and designed around you.
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👉 Click here to register and reserve your spot, or click here to learn more!

If you’ve been researching piano lessons for yourself or your child, you’ve probably wondered: how long is a typical piano lesson? The answer depends on the student’s age, experience level, and goals—but it’s also about how that time is used.

Standard Lesson Lengths
For most beginners, piano lessons typically range from 30 to 60 minutes:

• 30 minutes – Ideal for young beginners or those just starting out. Short, focused lessons help maintain attention and build consistent weekly progress.
• 45 minutes – A great middle ground for students who are advancing and need more time for technique, theory, and new pieces.
• 60 minutes – Perfect for motivated students, teens, and adults who want to move faster or explore more challenging repertoire.

But time alone doesn’t equal progress--structure, engagement, and modern learning tools make all the difference.

How Our Piano Lab Maximizes Every Minute
At Evergreen Music School, we’ve reimagined what can be accomplished in a single lesson through our Piano Lab format.

Each student moves at their own pace with a lab that includes:
🎧 Guided video instruction for independent progress
🎹 One-on-one coaching moments with the teacher
📘 Digital tools and apps that make practice fun and efficient

​This 55-minute lab format lets students do more in less time—often achieving the results of a 60-minute private lesson in just 20-30 minutes of the structured lab time.

When Private Lessons Are the Best Fit
For students who thrive on traditional, one-on-one instruction or are preparing for advanced performances and exams, our private lessons offer a fully customized experience. These lessons are typically 45 or 60 minutes long, giving plenty of space for personal coaching, advanced technique, and artistry development.

Which Length Is Right for You?
Choosing between 30, 45, or 60 minutes depends on:

• Your child’s age and attention span
• Your musical goals
• Your preferred learning pace
• Whether you learn best independently or one-on-one

At Evergreen, we help every family find the perfect fit—whether that’s our innovative Piano Lab or traditional private lessons.

Ready to Get Started?
Your first step is simple! Click here to register and reserve your spot, or click here to learn more!

If you’ve ever wondered, “How many piano lessons does a beginner really need?” — you’re not alone! Parents and students often ask this when starting out, hoping to understand what kind of commitment it takes to see progress. The answer depends on a few key factors — your goals, age, practice habits, and the type of lesson you choose.
Let’s break it down!

The Short Answer: Progress Happens Over Time
Most beginners start to see solid results after about 10–12 lessons (roughly three months). By then, students can:

• Read simple music comfortably
• Play both hands together
• Recognize rhythms and patterns
• Gain confidence in practice and performance

However, true piano progress — the kind that builds lifelong skills — happens over the course of 6–12 months of consistent lessons. Just like learning a sport or language, piano requires regular exposure and steady growth.

The Type of Lesson Makes a Huge Difference
Not all lesson formats are created equal! At Evergreen Music School, we offer two highly effective paths for beginners:

1. The Piano Lab – A Modern Way to Learn
Our Piano Lab format combines personal attention with state-of-the-art technology, self-paced learning, and fun group energy. Students move faster because they:

• Get immediate feedback using interactive practice tools
• Learn theory, technique, and songs at their own pace
• Receive individualized help from a teacher while staying motivated with peers

Many beginners in our lab learn to play 4 songs at their first lesson, and reach what traditional lessons take 6 months to cover — in half the time.

2. Private Lessons – Custom Learning at Your Speed
Some students prefer one-on-one lessons for more detailed coaching and personalized pacing. Private lessons are perfect for older beginners, returning adults, or anyone with specific goals like audition prep or performance.

So, How Long Should You Plan For?
If your goal is to learn the basics and see steady progress:
➡️ Plan for at least 3–6 months of weekly lessons.

If your goal is to become a confident, independent pianist:
➡️ Expect a year or more of consistent lessons and at-home practice.

But don’t worry — at Evergreen, we make that journey fun, efficient, and rewarding from day one. Our students don’t just learn songs; they learn how to love music for life.

Ready to Start?
Whether you’re curious about our Piano Lab or Private Lessons, we’d love to help you begin your musical journey the right way — with confidence, structure, and joy.

​👉 Click here to register and reserve your spot, or click here to learn more!

​If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is learning piano so expensive?” you’re not alone. Many parents and students notice that piano lessons can cost more than other extracurricular activities—but when you compare what you get, the investment makes sense.

Comparing Piano Lessons to Other Activities
Think about school activities, sports, or music ensembles. Students pay for uniforms, equipment, travel, and sometimes coaching. In return, they get instruction, structured practice, and performance opportunities. Similarly, piano lessons include expert guidance, personalized instruction, and long-term skill development—just in a one-on-one or small-group format.

Unlike team sports where one coach manages a dozen or more players, or school bands where one instructor divides attention across 30+ students, piano teachers provide focused, individualized support. This attention ensures that each student progresses efficiently, develops proper technique, and builds confidence as a musician.

The True Cost of Piano Instruction

1. Expert Teachers – Piano teachers often spend their entire lives studying, performing, and learning teaching methods to ensure students develop solid technique and musical understanding.
2. Individualized Lessons – Every student is different. Private and small group instruction requires planning and adaptation to meet each student’s goals and learning style.
3. Practice Support and Materials – Like sports equipment or band instruments, piano requires resources. Lessons often include practice plans, sheet music and books, and sometimes digital tools for progress tracking.
4. Studio Environment – Professional piano studios invest in quality instruments, safe spaces, and the overall learning environment.

Evergreen Music School Piano Lab: Fun, Affordable, and Effective
We get it—weekly private lessons can add up. That’s why at Evergreen Music School, we offer the Adventurers Accelerated Piano Lab, a group-based program that gives students the benefits of expert instruction at a lower cost. Like a sports team or school orchestra, students in the Piano Lab learn together, motivate each other, and enjoy fun, engaging lessons—but with a lot more individualized attention than traditional school programs.

For students seeking even more focused guidance, our private lessons provide personalized instruction, progress tracking, and at-home practice support. Every lesson is designed to maximize growth and make piano learning rewarding.

The Real Value of Piano Lessons
Piano lessons are more than weekly practice—they’re an investment in creativity, discipline, confidence, and lifelong musical enjoyment. Unlike one-size-fits-all activities, our Piano Lab and private lessons offer structured learning, personal attention, and tools to succeed both at home and in performance.

Make Music a Part of Your Life
Wondering if piano lessons are worth it? With Evergreen Music School, every lesson—group or private—combines expert teaching, engaging experiences, and long-term results.

​👉 Click here to register and reserve your spot, or click here to learn more!

It’s one of the most common questions we hear from parents (and even adults!): “What age is too late to start piano?”

The truth is—there’s no such thing as “too late.”

Music is one of the most rewarding lifelong skills a person can learn, and the piano is uniquely accessible to learners of all ages. While early exposure to music is wonderful, older beginners often bring strengths that younger students don’t—like focus, motivation, and a genuine desire to learn.

At Evergreen Music School in Montgomery, we’ve seen piano beginners of every age thrive in our piano lessons—whether they’re starting at 6, 16, or 60.

​Why It’s Never Too Late to Learn Piano
Here’s why learning piano later in life (or even as an older child or teen) can actually be an advantage:

1. Stronger cognitive skills: Older learners understand patterns, numbers, and theory faster.
2. Better discipline and focus: They’re able to follow practice plans more independently.
3. Clear goals and motivation: Many older students start because they want to, not because they’re told to.
4. More meaningful enjoyment: Piano becomes a form of stress relief, self-expression, and accomplishment.

So instead of asking, “Is it too late?”—ask, “What’s stopping me?”


​How Our Piano Lessons Make Learning Easier at Any Age
At Evergreen Music School, our piano lessons—whether one-on-one or in our innovative Piano Lab—are designed to help beginners of any age succeed quickly and joyfully.
Here’s what makes our approach unique:

• Personalized instruction: Lessons are tailored to each student’s pace, learning style, and goals.
• Engaging, modern tools: We combine traditional teaching with digital practice aids for faster progress.
• Confidence-focused: Students experience regular wins that motivate them to keep learning.
• Flexible options: Private lessons or group labs fit your schedule and lifestyle.

Whether you’re starting as a child, teen, or adult, our lessons make piano fun, achievable, and meaningful. You don’t need any prior experience—just the desire to play!

​Start Your Piano Journey Today
No matter your age, the best time to start piano is now. Join the Evergreen Music School community and discover how our piano lessons make learning simple, enjoyable, and effective.

👉 Click here to register and reserve your spot, or click here to learn more!

If you’ve been researching piano lessons in Cincinnati, you’ve probably noticed that prices vary widely. So what is the average cost of a piano lesson—and what kind of value should you expect for your investment?

​Let’s break it down.

Average Piano Lesson Costs in Cincinnati
Across the Cincinnati area, private piano lessons typically range from $30–$60 for a 30-minute lesson with a qualified teacher. Hour-long private lessons often cost between $60–$100 per week, depending on the teacher’s experience, studio setting, and location.

At first glance, it can be hard to tell what you’re really getting for that price—some studios focus on traditional one-on-one instruction, while others (like ours) use modern, research-based formats that make learning more efficient, fun, and affordable.

A Smarter, More Affordable Option: Piano Lab Program
At Evergreen Music School in Montgomery, Ohio, we offer a Piano Lab program that gives students more results in less time—without the high price tag of private lessons.

• Lesson Length: 55-minute weekly Piano Lab
• Cost: $145/month (or about $36.25 per lesson)
• Format: Small group lab (up to 6 students per session)
• Ages: 6-13, but even our teens prefer it over private!

Each student works at their own digital piano with state-of-the-art headphones, cutting-edge software, and teacher guidance throughout the class. It’s a blend of personal attention, independence, and social motivation—so students learn faster and have more fun.

​​Why Families Love Our Piano Lab Format
​Parents often tell us they can’t believe how much progress their child makes in just a few months! Here’s why the Piano Lab works so well:

• More playing, less waiting. Every student is hands-on for the full 55 minutes.
• Engaging technology. Students use interactive apps and tools that make practice fun and measurable.
• Confidence through progress. Students see real results week after week—without the pressure or boredom of traditional lessons.
• Flexible and affordable. You get the equivalent (often 50% better or more) of private-level instruction for a fraction of the cost.
• No practice battles. Our built-in at-home support system helps parents stay out of the “practice struggle,” while still seeing consistent progress.

​More Than Lessons—A Foundation for Life
We believe music lessons should build more than just piano skills. Our students gain confidence, focus, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music. With our innovative Piano Lab, families experience both the joy of music and the satisfaction of steady, visible growth.

​Ready to Get Started?
If you’re comparing options and wondering where your child will thrive, come see why families across Cincinnati are choosing Evergreen Music School.

👉 Click here to register and reserve your spot, or click here to learn more!

Your child’s best piano journey starts here--fun, affordable, and designed for real progress.

Why We’re Excited to Bring Back Our Favorite Curriculum for Confident, Independent Musicians
We’re thrilled to announce that Piano Express is back at Evergreen!

​After a year of exploring other methods and refining our approach, we realized something crystal clear: nothing helps students build confidence, independence, and steady progress quite like Piano Express.

This curriculum was designed from the ground up for modern students — the ones who thrive with technology, enjoy challenges, and want to see their growth in real time. After testing and reflecting, we’re returning to Piano Express because it strikes the perfect balance between personalized learning and community connection.

Why We Took a Break
We took a short break from Piano Express last year to experiment with different lesson formats and see if there were ways to simplify our systems. While those approaches had their strengths, we noticed something missing — the spark our students had when they could see their progress, move at their own pace, and celebrate every win through the Piano Express app and group structure.

Students became more motivated, practiced more consistently, and took more ownership of their learning when they had the instant feedback and clear goals that Piano Express provides.

Why We Brought It Back
After reflecting on what makes lessons at Evergreen special — fun, efficient, and mastery-focused — Piano Express just fit better than anything else.

Here’s what makes it such a powerful system for our students:

1. It’s Personal AND Social
   Each student works at their own pace during the “Assessment” portion of class, passing songs when they’re truly ready. Then we come together for “Discovery” time — creative group games, technique activities, ear training, and music theory that’s more fun with friends.
2. It Builds Real Independence
   Instead of relying on constant teacher correction, students learn to listen, self-check, and make their own adjustments — skills that create confident, capable musicians (and great life habits).
3. It Keeps Motivation High
   The Piano Express app makes progress visible and rewarding. Students “level up” as they complete songs and earn achievements, creating a sense of pride and excitement that fuels regular practice.
4. It’s Efficient and Flexible
   Because students work at their own pace, no one feels rushed or held back. Whether your child is a brand-new beginner or has a few years under their belt, they’ll always be learning exactly what they need next.
5. It Aligns with Our Mission
   Evergreen is all about helping students move 2–3x faster without the pressure — mastering music in a way that’s joyful and sustainable. Piano Express supports that beautifully.

“But I Heard Group Piano Isn’t as Effective as Private Lessons?”
That’s a common question — and one we love to answer!
In the Piano Express model, students actually get more individualized progress, are more productive, and gain significantly more repetitions and hands-on exposure to new music than in a typical private setting. Here’s why:

• During assessment time, the teacher works one-on-one with students as they’re ready to pass songs — not just once per week, but often multiple times in a single class.
• During discovery time, students build skills that can’t be taught one-on-one as effectively: listening, ensemble timing, ear training, rhythm games, and musical creativity.
• Most importantly, students stay more motivated because they can see their progress, making long-term success far more likely.

Tips for Parents
To help your child get the most out of Piano Express:

• Ask about their level-ups! Celebrate when they pass a song or complete a level.
• Encourage short, consistent practice at home — even 10–15 minutes a day adds up fast.
• Let them explore independently. The program is designed for students to learn how to self-correct and problem-solve — that’s part of the magic!
• Stay connected with us. We’re here to support your child’s journey and make sure they’re thriving at every step.

We’re So Glad to Be Back
Bringing back Piano Express feels like coming home to what we do best — helping every child grow into a confident, creative, and capable musician.
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Thank you for trusting us to guide your child’s musical journey.
Here’s to a new school year full of motivation, mastery, and music that’s all about them!

(Hint: It’s probably less than you think!)

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If you’ve ever wondered whether your child is practicing “enough,” you’re not alone. We hear this question all the time at Evergreen Music School — and there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there! Some families worry they’re not doing enough; others feel guilty for not managing daily practice hours.
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Here’s the good news: progress on the piano doesn’t come from practicing more — it comes from practicing smarter.
​

Parents often picture serious musicians practicing for hours every day, but here’s the truth: quality beats quantity every time — especially for beginners and intermediate students.
​
When students are young or just starting out, long, drawn-out practice sessions often lead to frustration, sloppy habits, and burnout. On the flip side, short, focused practice sessions help kids stay engaged and build confidence faster.
​

Based on years of our teachers working with hundreds of Cincinnati-area families, here’s what we’ve found works best:

Foragers (Beginners, ages 6–9) 5–15 min, 4–5 days/week.
End on a “win” — finish with a song your child loves.

Trailblazers (Elementary & Intermediate) 15–25 min, 4–6 days/week.
Break practice into chunks: technique, song, creativity.

Trailblazers (Advanced & Teens) 25–40 min, 5–6 days/week.
Focus on challenging spots instead of starting from the top every time.

​Remember: practicing daily isn’t always realistic — and that’s okay. What matters most is consistency and purpose. A few short, positive sessions each week always build stronger skills than forcing one marathon session right before a lesson.
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At Evergreen, we design lessons around fun + rigor, which means we balance structured growth with joyful exploration. Our practice philosophy matches:

• Focused Attention Wins → Kids of all ages learn more in 10 minutes of mindful practice than 40 minutes of distracted noodling.
• Fewer Battles, More Music → Shorter sessions reduce frustration, making piano something kids want to come back to.
• Celebrating Small Wins → Every practice “victory” builds momentum and confidence.

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​Here are a few Evergreen-tested tips to help your child practice effectively — without power struggles:

1. Set a Routine, Not a Timer → Attach practice to a consistent part of the day, like right after snack or before bedtime.
2. Make It Musical → Let your child start with their favorite song before working on lesson material.
3. Use the 3-Part Formula (used in our lessons):
   • Warm-up → A short game, scale, or chord exercise
   • Main Goal → One section of their song
   • Fun Finish → Play something they already love, mistake-free

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Every student at Evergreen moves through their musical journey at their own pace — and that’s exactly how it should be. Your child’s growth comes from steady, joyful progress, not pressure or perfection.
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So if you’ve been worrying about whether your child is practicing “enough,” rest easy: a little bit, done well and done often, goes a long way.