The Parent's Guide to Piano
A Comprehensive Guide to Music Education
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Early Childhood Music
When to Start Lessons
Finding a Teacher
Learning Environment
A Balanced Education
The Lessons
Practicing Piano
Piano Technique
Reading Music
Musical Inspiration
Positive Feedback
Resources
Piano Quotes
Improve the Quality of Your Lessons
"Intuition is important. So is talent. But a teacher, a guide who helps you unfold and develop is absolutely necessary. Also, that teacher has to be the right teacher for you."
Communication
It is absolutely necessary that you communicate with the teacher regularly about your child's progress. Each lesson will bring new challenges that you must help the child overcome until they are capable of overcoming these challenges themselves.
At the beginning, you will be more aware of your child's mental and emotional state than the teacher. Until the teacher really gets to know the student, you are the teachers most valuable resource and must provide them with useful information. The more information you can provide to the teacher, the better equipped they are to teach a productive lesson.
Teamwork
Often the teacher will require you to be present at the lessons. This way you are accountable to them for educating your child during the week. Don't be afraid! This is a blessing not a burden. Spending time with your son or daughter learning music is an incredible experience.
Long Term
A music education lasts a lifetime. Don't give up because your child isn't responding the way you hoped. Be patient and loving and they will perservere. I've had students that literally blossomed overnight after months of painstaking attempts to learn the simplest melodies. The speed that children progress varies.
The Role of Music
Would you allow your child to be late for school? Is it okay if they don't finish their homework?
Treat music as a part of your childs daily education. If music is just an accepted part of your life and not an "extracirrucalr activity" their chances of succeeding will vastly improve.
Other Activities
Don't bog them down with a million after school activities. Make choices with your child regarding their schedule and commit to your choices. If you allow them to change course every week and pick new activities because they were met with a challenge they couldn't overcome, you are failing them. Instead, help them through those challenges and show them how to fall in love with challenges instead of despising them.
Don't shortchange your child's education. If you enroll them in three afterschool programs and as a result, they have no time to practice, you have made the wrong decision. The number of activities a child undertakes does not necessarily make them the well-rounded person you hope them to be. Instead, they will become unfocused, and unable to realize success at any one activity.
Lesson Logistics
- Don't be late for lessons.
- Avoid summer breaks from piano. Summer is a time when they can succeed the most. Ask yourself, "what exactly do they need a break from?" You create their reality. Trying to relearn the piano after a two month summer break can be totally debilitating.
- Make sure you invest in all the proper materials; books, a metronome, and anything else the teacher suggests
Keep it Fun
Don't be afraid to put some of your personality and opinion into the process. If you are having fun at the lessons, your child will also have fun. Children learn how to behave from you. If you feel frustrated, always remember that music is a privelege.
"You can't express yourself genuinely if you are trying too hard not to make mistakes."
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