Roll the Dice: How a Simple Tool Can Transform Music Practice

Let’s face it — even the most motivated students hit practice plateaus.

They get stuck in the same routines. They skip the hard stuff. They lose focus.

As teachers, we can remind and reframe all we like… but sometimes what students really need is a little spark of unpredictability.

Enter the humble dice.

We’ve just added a “Roll the Dice” tool to My Music Studio, and it’s one of the easiest — and most powerful — ways to shake up practice, gamify routine, and encourage students to think musically and flexibly.

Why Randomisation Works

Randomisation is a classic learning strategy. It:

• Forces the brain out of autopilot

• Promotes better retention through variation

• Builds adaptability in performance

• Makes practice feel more like a game than a chore

Rolling a die is simple — but it turns decision fatigue into playful challenge. And students love it.

9 Practical Ways to Use Dice in Music Practice

Here are some of our favourite real-world ways teachers are already using the Roll the Dice tool:

1. Random Repertoire Practice

Assign numbers 1–6 to songs or pieces the student is working on.

➤ Roll to see what to practice next.

This is great for long-term retention and avoids the “always play the favourites” trap.

2. Technique Challenge Generator

Match each number to a different technical skill:

1 = Scales

2 = Arpeggios

3 = Rhythm drills

4 = Staccato exercises

5 = Sight-reading

6 = Left-hand work

➤ Roll before warm-ups or mid-lesson to switch gears.

3. Dynamic Tempo Selector

Assign each number a tempo range (e.g. 1 = 60 bpm, 6 = 120 bpm).

➤ Roll and play the piece at that tempo.

This builds flexibility and control — and avoids the comfort zone!

4. Practice Time or Reps

Let the dice decide how long or how many times to repeat something.

➤ “Roll a 3? Practice that phrase 3 more times.”

➤ “Roll a 5? Set a 5-minute timer and go!”

5. Phrase-by-Phrase Focus

Label six challenging spots in a piece.

➤ Roll to target one and drill it before playing the full piece.

Great for deliberate, bite-sized practice.

6. Mood or Character Twist

Assign expressive instructions to each number:

1 = legato, 2 = staccato, 3 = forte, 4 = piano, 5 = playful, 6 = mysterious

➤ Roll and apply that character to a phrase or piece.

Perfect for interpretation and emotional awareness.

7. Improvisation Prompts

Roll to select a random key, groove, or time signature.

➤ Example: “Roll a 2 and 5 = D minor + 5/4 groove.”

Encourages fearless creativity!

8. Ear Training Fun

Use the dice with your “What Do You Hear?” game.

➤ Each roll corresponds to a question type or difficulty level.

It’s self-directing, low-pressure aural training.

9. Warm-up Routine Randomiser

Assign warm-ups to each number — scales, lip slurs, stretches, tone work, etc.

➤ Roll to start your practice session in a fresh way each day.

Bonus: Two-Dice Combinations

Now we’re getting spicy. Try rolling two dice and cross-reference:

• Die 1 = Key, Die 2 = Articulation

• Die 1 = Instrument, Die 2 = Style

• Die 1 = Technique, Die 2 = Tempo

➤ “Roll 3 and 6: Play your arpeggios at 120 bpm.”

The combinations are endless.

Built into My Music Studio

The new “Roll the Dice” tool is designed to be fast, visual, and frictionless — no extra setup needed. Just:

• Choose one or two dice

• Click to roll

• Let the randomness inspire the next step in practice

You can use it live in lessons, or students can use it independently between lessons to vary their routine.

The Takeaway

When students roll a die, they’re doing more than playing a game.

They’re:

• Practicing decision-making

• Embracing challenges

• Learning flexibility

• Having fun while still improving

Because practice doesn’t have to be predictable.

Sometimes the best results come from a little chaos — and a lot of creativity.

🎲 Ready to roll?

Grab some dice and go for it.

Or join the waitlist now to be able to try it inside your My Music Studio dashboard.