Creating a Practice Lending Library for Students
A Practice Lending Library is a brilliant tool for building better practice routines. If you’d like your music students to actually practice more between lessons (who wouldn’t?!) then here’s how to create your own Lending Library full of resources and activities that will have everyone excited to practice.
What is a Practice Lending Library?
Just what it sounds like: a collection of resources to help with music practice (books, games, trackers, activities) available for students to borrow for short periods of time (a week or two). Although there are a few theory games and activities included in the Lending Library, the majority of resources are based on specific practice tasks and activities.
Benefits of a Practice Lending Library
Simple for Teachers
Once you’ve got your Practice Lending Library set up it’s pretty easy to update and maintain, it just takes some time to prepare all the resources initially. And I don’t know about you, but I’m quite happy to put in a bit of work if it means my students will be practicing more!
Easy for Parents & Caregivers
Having a specific practice activity available makes it so much easier for parents to initiate practice. And the beauty of a Lending Library is that everything is all ready to go, no extra effort required.
Fun for Students
Students are much more likely to practice when they have a fun activity they actually want to do! Plus the novelty of only having access to the resource for a short time makes it much more likely they’ll be motivated to use it.
Other types of resources to add to a Lending Library in your music studio:
Music Theory Games at Colourful Keys
Books for Piano Students at Piano Pantry
Music Themed Comic Books at Piano Pantry
Books for Parents at Shaw Strings
How to Set Up a Practice Lending Library
Supplies for Creating a Practice Library
Over the years I’ve created various practice resources for students to use during their Practice Lab in Rotating Lessons. This meant I had a lot of different activities that would work well for a Lending Library, including books, board games, idea cards, activities, and trackers.
If you’re interested in using the same selection in your Lending Library, here are the different supplies you might need:
- Printed and bound copies of books
- Printed copies of trackers
- Sheets of small stickers
- Printed & laminated games and activities
- Dice and counters
- Some little treats (if they fit the theme of the activities!)
Assembling a Practice Lending Library
Finding Resources
Here are some different places to find music practice resources, plus keep scrolling for a list of everything I’ve added to my Lending Library (so far!)
- Practice Power-Up
- Practice Plunder & Practice Pursuit Board Games
- Playful Practice Cards
- Practice Tricks Pack
- Piano Practice Bingo
Printing and Laminating
This is definitely the most time consuming part of setting up a Lending Library! The best strategy is to start small with only a few resources at first, then slowly add more when you have the time/energy/motivation to do so.
Storing Resources
I store each resource in a plastic envelope (A4 or foolscap size), which includes a sticker with a list of the contents. This makes it simple to check that everything’s there, which is easier for students when it’s time to return it too.
Keeping Track of Resources in a Lending Library
You can keep it simple by using a notebook or spreadsheet to record when a student borrows an item, and when they return it. Of course I use my favourite organising tool, Notion, to keep track of the status of resources (as well as everything else in my music studio!)
Resources for a Practice Lending Library
Here’s a round-up of the different resources I’ve included in the Practice Lending Library at my studio. Many of these are part of Practice Power-Up or can be found in the free Music Teacher Resource Library.
Practice Guides & Books
This mini guide covers three different approaches to creating a weekly practice schedule.
A printed version of this book for parents which provides helpful strategies for supporting practice.
This guide offers a menu of practice challenges to keep repetition interesting.
Practice Board Games
This board game can be played by one or two players, and provides a unique way to practice.
Students complete practice tasks as they escape the haunted house in this board game.
Pieces and scales will be shipshape in no time with this practice board game.
Practice Activities
These activity cards can be combined to create an engaging practice session.
Roll the dice and complete the practice activity that comes up. Repeat as desired!
This poster offers some extra practice ideas once students have completed their main tasks.
Practice Trackers
These five different practice trackers are a way to record hours, days, or practice sessions.
Keep track of practice minutes with these cute trackers that cover ten hours total.
Students stay motivated as they complete thirty days of practice with this practice tracker.
Music Theory Games
A student favourite! This simple game helps to reinforce note value recognition.
Quick and easy to play, this game also helps students to recognise note values.
This board game helps beginners to learn finger numbers and piano keys.
Key Takeaways
There are lots of different types of Lending Libraries you could set up in your music studio:
- Repertoire collections & sheet music
- Music theory games
- Books about music, practice, and habits
- Practice resources and activities
All of these can help to encourage students to practice, but a Practice Lending Library is the best tool for keeping students motivated to practice between lessons.
If you’re interested in setting up a Lending Library in your music studio, start small and add more resources over time. Practice board games, guidebooks, practice cards, music theory games, and other practice activities can all feature in a Practice Lending Library that students will love!
Remember to check out the Music Teacher Resource Library for more practice and theory resources for your music studio.
