Inspiration and motivation for all music pupils,
and all instruments
I Love
Music Practice
Now I Love Music Practice
Ron Ottley
Now I Love Music Practice
- Promotes intrinsic motivation and intrinsic rewards.
- Motivates students to persevere.
- It is especially relevant for reluctant students.
- Provides confirmation and reinforcement for dedicated students.
- Prepares students for problems with motivation that will inevitably occur.
There is plenty of good advice and practise tips available on how to do music practice.
This book barely touches on how to practise. It focuses on why practise. For many children this is the first question that needs to be answered.
A selection of reviews
A review from THE STUDIO the journal of the Music Teachers' Association of New South Wales, Australia.
A review by Dr Rita Crews
Clearly presented and easy to read for the specific age group of 10+ this delightful
little volume should be in every music teachers library to show and recommend to
their students, -
A review from STRETTO. the magazine of Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts (ANZCA)
The tone of the writing is consistently upbeat and encouraging, emphasising the great benefits and satisfaction that learning music can bring throughout a lifetime.
This is an excellent book which achieves its aims by neither talking down to nor
over the heads of its intended audience. Its practical common-
A review from PIANO PROFESSIONAL The magazine of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA) A review by Nadia Lasserson BMus, GRSM, ARCM, ARAM“
Filled with common sense”
“Ron Ottley writes in simple persuasive language which cannot fail to convince everyone to go and ENJOY their practice”
“A delightful approach to the old problem”
From the International Music Teachers Group newsletter.
A review by Jeanie Willis B.Mus, Dip.Tch
I'm so impressed with this book! It seems quite revolutionary. It is written for students to read and is aimed at making them responsible for their own practice and ultimate success. This seemed a fantastic idea, but I wondered if it was aiming at an ideal that in reality would be impossible.
As I began to read my scepticism dissipated. It was very easy to read, has a very positive approach and yet a wonderfully refreshing straight talking honesty that I think students would respect and relate to really well.
It really gets at the psychology behind why students don't want to practice. The book uses a number of Aesop's fables to help illustrate and explain different points of learning an instrument and practicing. It has an incredible amount of information packed into it.
I think I have several students who will benefit from it.
A review from RITMICO. the magazine of the Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand
A review by Elizabeth Noffke LTCL, LRSM, Lmustcl, FIRMT
A surprise awaits the music pupil when they begin reading Now I Love Music Practice. I found the book easy to read and interesting. It is designed to encourage, support, and inspire all music pupils.
It should encourage pupils to take responsibility for themselves and for their own progress.
Ron Ottley has put a great deal of thought into writing the book. It has delightful short stories and fables for young people to enjoy. Teachers and parents will also enjoy reading it.
A review from AMERICAN MUSIC TEACHER The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) magazine
A review by Dr. Steve Allen, Professor of Piano, Brigham Young University-
“the book is a great resource for any teacher”
Read the online version of this review
A selection of testimonials
Barb Steenrod Piano Teacher
I received my copy of Now I Love Music Practice yesterday and I absolutely love it!
My masters degree is in music therapy, so I clearly understand the non-
I am also very interested in using stories to reach the subconscious part of our brain that is involved in learning. I plan to share some of these stories with my students and parents at our upcoming recital.
I also like the fact that the authors ideas and teachings don't involve "gimmicks,
games, and extrinsic rewards". Like him, I subscribe to the belief in self-
Peggy Melville Piano Teacher
"Now I Love Music Practice by Ron Ottley is a great read, all children should have
a copy -
George Middleton Pianist
I like this book! I like its construction, its material, its illustrations and oh, its language.
Dorothy Chamberlain Piano Teacher
This book is an inspiration to me, not only in my teaching but in my personal life. Thank you.
Now I Love Music Practice is published by Eileen Margaret Publishing
48 Every Street, Dunedin, New Zealand 9013.
contact eileenmargaret@xtra.co.nz phone +64 3 4545103
(Ron Ottley can be contacted at ron.ottley@xtra.co.nz)
Ages 10+ years
8 ins x 5 ins approx
192 mm x 127 mm
94 pages
SBN 978-
Ron Ottley is a piano teacher in Dunedin New Zealand. more
Now I Love Music Practice is designed to motivate and inspire music students to persevere with practising and learning to play their instrument. Piano Professional magazine said it is “a delightful approach to the old problem.”
Sondra Anice Barnes said,
“It’s so hard when I have to, and so easy when I want to”
This quote is so relevant and apt for music students who are facing many hours of practising.
Some students don’t like practising and they only do it because they have to. They would sooner be doing anything else. They won’t cooperate with their parents or their teachers. Sometimes there is conflict, stress, or unhappiness. Unless something happens to change the attitude of these students they will give up as soon as they can.
On the other hand some students practise because they want to. These students, invariably, have a good, positive, ‘can do’ attitude. These students understand why they need to practise. They can see the big picture. They get great satisfaction as they master each small step ,and as they see their ability and skill level gradually growing. These students will not only succeed, they will enjoy the process.
Now I Love Music Practice focuses on . . .
. . . UNDERSTANDING
The book uses stories and analogies to clearly explain to children how they learn to play an instrument. Understanding is a key ingredient that is necessary before children will accept and embrace learning and practising.
. . . LOGIC APPEAL
The book presents persuasive and compelling reasons to persevere.
. . . EMOTIONAL APPEAL
The book includes a strong emotional component. It appeals to the head and the heart. Emotions are often the trigger for change and an emotional connection to music (or anything else) can create a loyalty and a commitment to it.
. . . SELF RESPONSIBILITY
Now I Love Music Practice promotes self responsibility and intrinsic motivation without the need for rewards, stickers or gimmicks. It is designed to be read by the student, although it is also a great teacher resource.
This best selling book has been warmly and enthusiastically received by music teachers, parents and students. It costs just $14.95 with free worldwide shipping.