100 Day Practice Challenge

January 2026 | by Alyssa Sonnier

Yes, we asked our students to commit to 100 days of consecutive practice on their instrument. Are we a little crazy? Maybe—but many students have experienced the powerful benefits of this challenge, which is exactly why we continue to ask for such a meaningful commitment.

About ten years ago, this challenge was popularized by a magazine called Piano Explorer. Teachers could submit their students’ names to be published when they completed milestones such as 100 days of consecutive practice, 200 days, and beyond. In the early 2010s, I introduced this challenge to my own students before moving out of state and eventually losing touch with many of them.

Recently, I had the opportunity to reconnect with one of those former students when he reached out for feedback on an upcoming performance of a Chopin Étude. While speaking with his parents about his continued love of music over the years, his father shared that the true turning point for him was the 100 Day Practice Challenge. It was the first time he could clearly see the progress he was making—day by day—and that sense of momentum stayed with him long after the challenge ended.

We chose to revive this challenge so that our current students could experience the same sense of momentum and joy that comes from sustained, consistent effort. Here’s what a few of our finishers and their parents have to say about the experience:

Kyo and mom, Emily, say: 

“The hardest part of the challenge was that I had to practice each day. I also enjoyed it because it pushed me to practice piano a lot more. I learned that I can accomplish more than I thought I could. I would totally do it again any day of the year.” - Kyo, age 10

“I think the 100 day challenge for Kyo was quite a transformative experience for me as a parent as well. I got to be an accountable partner for Kyo and I felt as if I was also doing the challenge. Now he is practicing without resistance (still not perfect) but it’s definitely easier than sitting down to practice thinking it’s a “challenge.” - Emily 

Raleigh and dad, Brandon, say:

“I'm very happy and proud to have completed the 100 Day Practice Challenge!” -Raleigh, age 7

Raleigh also says that it took bravery to work on something every single day, he enjoyed working towards a goal and accomplishing something big, and he enjoyed the prizes at each milestone to help keep him focused. He learned that he’s talented and capable of achieving difficult things! Finally, he says he would prefer not to do it again :) 

“We're so proud of Raleigh for completing the challenge. Some days were better than others, but what's important is that he showed up every day. It got to a point where he would be the one reminding us that we need to do music practice. The challenge itself helped teach him discipline and responsibility, and gave him a sense of achievement.” - Brandon

It’s not too late to join the challenge. We encourage each family to talk together about whether this commitment is a good fit for their student—and how to make it achievable. Students who begin this week can still complete the challenge by mid-April. In addition to securing an invitation to the Winners-Only Pizza Party, students will experience meaningful progress on their instrument, build confidence through consistency, and gain a strong sense of personal accomplishment.

Please reach out to us if you would like a copy of the challenge flyer, practice log, or support getting started. We’re happy to help!