The Parent's Guide to Piano

A Comprehensive Guide to Music Education

The Learning Environment

"If someone is listening I am no longer practicing, I am performing." ---Artur Rubinstein







Defining the Learning Environment

The learning environment is a combination of the space that surrounds you and the people who occupy that space.

A few things have to be considered when creating a good learning environment:

• Can the student practice in peace and quiet without disruptions?


• Does the space allow for social gathering?


• Does poor lighting and colour create stress?


• Is there conflict between household members to share the space?


• How are the acoustics of the space and can they be improved?


• Does the sound carry throughout the entire house from the designated space?

Quiet and Isolation

A piano student must be able to hear everything they play as clearly as possible without external disruptions. Every external sound robs them of brain processes and detracts from their ability to concentrate wholly on the music.

For example, while teaching a four year-old girl a new piece of music at her home, I noticed she was playing perfectly and maintaining an outstanding level of concentration. A few seconds later, the nanny turned on the radio in the adjacent room. The girl's concentration disappeared instantaneously, she became restless, and her mind began to wander.



Social Gatherings

Practicing in peace and quiet is absolutely necessary but being able to create social gatherings around the piano is just as important. The piano should be in a place where people can gather for sing-alongs, recitals and mini-performances. It has to be visible in a warm, welcoming and accessible location.

The View


Although the piano may look best against the wall in the dark corner of the room, take into consideration that a view out a window from the piano bench may encourage extra practice time. It will also help the child develop visual associations that stimulate their imagination and promote inner calmness.

High traffic Areas


Having bodies moving about while trying to practice is incredibly frustrating. I can recall times when I was extremely excited and motivated as a kid, sitting down at the piano excited to play and losing that inspiration as fast as it came because I couldn't concentrate with all the people milling around the room.



Acoustics

You don't have to be a scientist to know that something is too loud. If you have hardwood floors, low ceilings and no furniture, expect a lot of loud sound waves bouncing around the house. You can solve this problem by laying down an area rug and strategically placing extra furniture throughout the room.



Consideration of Others

It may be the case that your piano space is less than ideal. But remember that a successful learning environment is defined primarily by the behaviour of the people in that space. Take appropriate measures to respect the student's need for peace and quiet while practicing.



"My two older sisters rushed home and took turns practicing on the piano. Then there was my mother's singing. She sang constantly. I could easily hear her powerful tones from a half-block away. I was constantly surrounded by music."
---Rosalyn Tureck



>> next >>

---

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.playlikemozart.com www.parentsguidetopiano.com www.succeedatpiano.com