Repetition is a fundamental part of piano practice, but it’s not always a favorite part of practicing. These are ways that I ask students to “do it again” with flair. Each item is designed to be musically meaningful and to keep repetition intentional.

Every variation below targets a specific skill. For example, playing a passage “oppositely” highlights its intended character, and shifting octaves helps students hear something familiar in a new way. These strategies work best after students have spent time establishing accurate notes and rhythms.

Play while singing the melody.
Play the right hand one octave higher and the left hand one octave lower.
Play small sections with your eyes closed.
Play the piece at different tempos (e.g. largo, adagio, andante, allegro, presto).
For primer-level pieces written for one hand, play the right and left hands together in parallel motion.
Make the piece sound like different animals (e.g. play it high like a bird, or low like a whale).
Play all dynamics oppositely (e.g. loud becomes soft, etc.).
Play all articulations oppositely (e.g. legato becomes staccato).*
Play and sing the accompaniment.
Play and say each downbeat (beat 1) out loud.
If the piece has multiple voices, play while singing or humming the soprano, alto, tenor, or bass line—alternate which voice you sing with each repetition.*
Transpose the piece to another key.

*These activities are best suited for more advanced students

An easy way to incorporate strategic repetition is to gamify it. I write different repetition strategies on popsicle sticks and allow students to draw one at random, selecting only those appropriate for their level and stage of learning. The mystery of which stick they’ll pull keeps students eager to build the habit of repetition. The best part is that this game is easily replicated at home. Students may even get creative and brainstorm their own ways to repeat a section!