Nearly 9 out of 10 music teachers say that when it comes to learning music, PRACTICE MATTERS MOST. Lack of practice is the leading reason why music students fail. It leads to slow progress which results in unmotivated students that eventually quit. Our goal is to change the practice experience so that it becomes effective, yet enjoyable while eliminating avoidable issues (lost music, roadblock questions).
Better Practice is not just a notebook replacement or a simple tracking system. They don't actually improve practice. Instead we built on top of the easiest assignment and richest tracking system, a motivational toolbox for teachers to employ and embed proven pedagogical approaches to improve learning.
Another reason why Better Practice is so effective is because one of the designers is a music parent, so the role of the parent is central to the design. Better Practice makes it easy for parents to be involved and play a supporting role.
No other solution takes such an integrated approach to music practice. Because of how it all works together, the improvements are dramatic. Teachers see immediate results - after the very first lesson.
Absolutely. Better Practice employs many proven learning techniques in the app and subtley guides the student through these techniques so it becomes a part of what they do on a regular basis. This means that while the student is focusing on the joy of music, they are actually developing stronger learning and practice habits. For example, we have integrated self-regulated learning and spaced repetition into the flow of practice naturally so students learn better. We then combine the proven pedagogy with motivational elements which essentially accelerates the learning process, because not only are they practicing better, they are practicing more of what's better.
Case studies have been done to analyze the results of students and their practice habits before and after the adoption of Better Practice. We've seen dramatic improvements all across the board. Whether it's "Skipped Days" or “One and Done” practice sessions dropping, or a big increase in longer practice sessions that cover more, the improvements are significant. Even good practicers will benefit.
Better Practice was designed by music parents and so meeting the needs of the parents and students are a priority. Your parents will enjoy how easy it is to stay involved and gain more visibility and accountability from their children. But ultimately, they will appreciate watching their child develop faster and saving money from weeks of continuous, unproductive practices.
You can use it with a subset of your students, but it is our experience that you will probably want to use it as a studio-wide tool. Our teachers love how easy it is to manage all of their student's assignments and communicate with them through the app, so it becomes an indispensable tool for managing the studio. Plus, the motivation that comes from social learning is important, and those who do not participate will be left out. In fact, studios that start out allowing families to choose usually end up making it mandatory for all because it benefits everyone.
Better Practice is a web app, meaning it is accessible from any device with a web browser. This means you can use it with your all your students and families today. They can use a smartphone, tablet, or a computer to access Better Practice. There is no need to download an app from the App Store. For mobile devices, you can also add a button to your home screen to access the app so it feels and works like an app downloaded from the App Store.
The Practice List is powered by a smart review engine that uses a proven learning technique called Spaced Repetition (check out this video to see how it works). Basically, this means we organize the assignments given by the teacher (using a very calculated method) for most efficient learning. It’s repeatedly been proven that spaced repetition is the best for long term retention - so what happens in lessons doesn’t just disappear after the recital.
Yes! We can add your studio logo and customize the colors so it’s unique to your studio. This is in our Branding Package. We can also help you develop your own website that integrates with the app, which is our Website package.
Not to worry. We've worked with hundreds of music teachers all with varying level of technical skills. We'd be happy to walk you through the app and provide training. Plus we have instant chat available in case you get into a bind and need to ask us a question.
There are many great music apps out there focused on different areas. Some for handling sheet music; some help teach reading; others provide ear training. Whatever it is that you like to use, our app works with other music apps. On larger devices, we can also work side-by-side. Better Practice is focused on managing the practice experience where these music apps become a part of.
We are a full-service company that is available and ready to help you and your families. From getting started to training to customer support, we are here for you and your customers. We're happy to help. There are multiple ways for you and your families to reach us at any time including in-app chat, email and old-fashioned phone call. Plus we have a community of Better Practice teachers that you can interact with and share ideas. You're not on an island with a free app with little to no support, you're adopting a committed support team.