‘This OR That!’ | Music Practice Edition

A Music Classroom Icebreaker Game for Piano Parties & Group Classes

Turn talk about practice into movement, laughter, and connection! Our This & That: Music Practice Edition is a lively, printable music classroom icebreaker game that gets students thinking, sharing, and reflecting on how they practice.

Watch your students build friendships as they share their opinions, and choose sides. See how they feel validated for their thinking and ideas. And the more you hear and understand their answers, the better you can connect with them in lesson time, to help them succeed in music.

Perfect for studio classes, piano parties, bands and youth orchestras, or general music lessons — this low-prep game builds camaraderie while encouraging genuine conversations about practice habits and learning styles.

What’s Included & How It Works:

Delivered as an instant-download PDF, ready to print and play (no extra apps and no setup fuss!)

Inside the download you’ll find:

• 50 “This or That” prompt cards, each offering two contrasting choices: Most of the questions involve music or practice ideas…but several off-topic, humorous prompts are also included for high engagement.
• A step-by-step Print & Play instructional, with tips, pacing suggestions, and logistics
• Variation ideas (for small groups, large classes, mixed levels)

Ready to bring reflection, movement, and connection to your music class?
Add ‘This & That: Music Practice Edition‘ to your teaching toolkit now — print it, play it, and watch your students open up about their habits and preferences…this music classroom icebreaker game makes it easy to start that conversation about building practice skills & habits.

Game-play in a Nutshell:

1. The teacher reads one prompt aloud (for example, “Practice with metronome or play by ear?”)…
2. Students choose the side they prefer, and they get to share their opinions is a safe, non-judgemental environment.
3. Invite a few students from each side briefly share why they picked that option.
4. Then continue with the next question prompt.
5. And, you can even conclude with a free-choice round and let students propose their own questions.

You can run this as a 5 minute icebreaker, or turn it into a full class reflection session. The movement keeps energy levels up, and the on-topic chat keeps it meaningful!

Why Teachers Love It

This isn’t just a “fun filler” — it’s a music teaching resource for group classes you’ll reach for again and again.

• Sparks student expression and reflection about their own practice styles
• Builds community, confidence, and empathy as students see what they share (and how they differ)
• Gets everyone moving, talking, and laughing — perfect for kinaesthetic learners
• Encourages peer learning: hearing others’ reasons can inspire new strategies
• Starts meaningful conversations about motivation, practice habits, and growth
• Requires minimal prep — just print the cards and go
• Adapts easily for kids, teens, and mixed levels (beginner to intermediate)
• Fits anywhere: a class warm-up, end-of-term activity, or studio party

Teachers say this music classroom icebreaker game one of the easiest ways to get even quiet students talking — and connecting — about music and practice.

Bring reflection, movement, and fun into your classroom! Download This & That: Music Practice Edition, a ready-to-print music classroom icebreaker game that gets students talking, moving, and learning together.

Suggested Uses & Tips

• This music classroom icebreaker game can be used as a music class launch — get students active and thinking
• Incorporate at studio events, piano groups, student band workshops or youth orchestra classes
• Use it mid-term or end-of-term as a reflection / check-in
• Integrate it into individual instrumental lessons as a get-to-know you, or a conversation starter about music practice
• Let students have fun creating their own “this & that” question prompts for a custom round!

Discover Our Integrated Practice System: Supporting Students’ Skills from Early Elementary Through Intermediate and on to Advanced Levels

Beginner to Late Elementary Students: Make at-home practice time both fun and effective with our Puppy & Kitty themed Bingo Bundle. This playful resource blends research-backed strategies with an engaging game format, helping your young students build real skills while enjoying their practice time.

Early Elementary to Early Intermediate Students: Explore our ‘Play-time Practice Cards’ featuring 60 playful, practical prompts designed to keep younger students focused and motivated. A great studio tool for encouraging positive practice routines and steady progress throughout the week.

Late Elementary to Late Intermediate Students: Try our ‘Fidgett Practice Spinners’ featuring 30 FUNdamental practice tricks to support focus and progress with any repertoire. A fun, flexible tool that keeps busy learners engaged and moving forward.

Early Intermediate to Advanced:
The ‘Bag of Practice Tricks’ offers 54+ studio-tested strategies to support students on their path through intermediate levels to more advanced playing. Now in its 6th edition and used worldwide — a practical go-to for teachers wanting a quick refresh as well.

Early Intermediate to Advanced Students:
Support focused, productive practice with our ingenious ‘Music Practice Journal’ — filled with encouraging tips, log pages, charts, practice streaks, countdowns, and fun goal-setting to keep students motivated and moving forward.

General Info
Instantly download our creative teaching tools, to print, and enjoy teaching—all future updates included for free! Our Single Teacher Studio License covers your with all your personal students; Multi-Teacher Studio Licenses available on request if not listed. PDFs are print-ready, some zipped—use 7-Zip to unzip. Tutorials and games will be saved in your Google Drive. Questions? Please check the FAQ’s at the bottom of our home page. Can’t find it there? We’ll do our best to help – Email us at: info@88musicalkeys.com