Resources for Parents
Message to Parents: Your Role in Your Child's Piano Practice
Whether your child is 6 or 16, piano lessons are an investment in your
child's future. But as in every investment, you're going to have to closely monitor it. If you put
money in the stock market and then ignore it, it becomes a gamble rather than a strategic way to
create wealth.
In the beginning, was enthusiam....Your child
starts out with enthusiasm and big dreams, but once the initial excitement wears off, she is
suddenly faced with reality--practice.
I try to make learning challenging and fun, but even I can't bypass the need
for practice, which can occasionally be tedious and boring. If you've ever played baseball or
softball (or any sport), you know that you have to spend hours pitching, batting and
running.
Talent is not a requirement to learn to play the
piano...You don't have to be a math genius to learn to add and subtract! Some
students learn quickly and effortlessly, others have to work harder at it. Some students play
really well, others not as well. Even students with learning disabilities can learn to play the
piano. Regular, consistent practice brings the best results for each student.
Don't leave your child to practice on his
own...Children are often expected to practice after school before parents come home
from work. They learn to say "yes" to the question, "Did you practice this afternoon?"
Unfortunately, sitting at the piano for 3 minutes (It was about 30 minutes, Mom, I swear.)
flipping through the music (I'm confused as to what I'm supposed to be doing) and plucking a few
notes (I tried, though, really.) is usually how a student practices alone.
It amazes me how many times a week that a young student will tell me he didn't
have time
to practice
because of
how busy
he was
that week...even
6 and 7
year olds. They sound so "grown up" when they explain how busy they were. (Are they just parroting Mom or Dad?) Often, their "busy week" consisted
of ashopping
trip on
Saturday with
Mom, or
a sibling's soccer game on Sunday afternoon. I can never figure out what happened to the rest of the
week!
Set regular, realistic practice time and YOU enforce
them...please don't expect your 6 or 8 or 12 year old to discipline himself to
practice 5 times a week. Practice time should be treated the same as homework--you
regularly should oversee it. Don't leave your child to monitor your financial
investment--or her educational investment.
As a parent, you're used to multi-tasking...it's
common to have your child do homework while you prepare dinner, pay some bills, do laundry or other
household task. So, you can be productive while listening to a piano song, and be ready to assist
whenever needed.
Buy extra music for your child to play...An easy
way to show your interest in your child's lessons is to occasionally buy a music book with his
favorite songs, or a pencil, cup, earrings or other musical trinket. Check online and occasionally
buy something special as a reward for a job well done. Not only is this a great incentive, but your
child will know that you are particularly interested in her success.
Encouragement vs. criticism...The easiest, and
best, way to encourage your child and foster enthusiasm is to be sincerely interested in his
lessons and efforts. Applaud accomplishments, empathize with frustrations, and hear what
your child is saying and playing. Nothing destroys enthusiasm faster than negative criticism.
Yelling, threatening or belittling has absolutely no place in a child's piano practice...or
anywhere else.
Please don't compare your child's playing with another relative
or friend... Each student is unique and has a unique way of learning and
playing.
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