How To Help Your Child Succeed at the Piano
We are often asked (and encourage!) questions from parents about practice habits and
recommendations in order to help the student's musical progress:
"Establish A Regular Routine of Daily Practice: Consult with your child's teacher about
the amount of daily practice expected. Quality and regularity are just as important as
duration. A shorter practice period when a student is well rested and fully
concentrating will accomplish more than a longer period when he is tired or
distracted; early morning practice (before other activities vie for attentions) is the
answer for many children. Several short daily practice periods can be more effective
than one longer practice session.
- Avoid needless arguments about practice. Post a
schedule and have your child record his daily practice time. Establish a rule
that missed practice will be made up within the week. Talk to your child to be
sure that lesson assignments are clear and that parent and teacher
expectations are understood.
- Establish clear priorities: Make regular attendance at
piano lessons a rule. Avoid over scheduling your child's activities. Good
health, social life, and real accomplishment all suffer when a child is
committed to too many extra-curricular projects. Try to schedule piano lessons
on a day when there are no other major after-school events.
- Be Available: Listen to your child's practice and make
encouraging suggestions. Make music at home for fun. Duets and other ensemble
playing can be a valuable source of learning and enjoyment. You can learn
alongside your child, or share your previous musical experience with him. Ask
the teacher for suggestions of music that meets your special family needs.
Encourage your child's friends to join in the recreational music making.
- Attend student workshops and recitals whenever you're
invited. Your presence is a demonstration of interest and support.
- Take your child to concerts. There are many free programs at colleges and museums,
and student tickets are often available for symphony concerts and other recitals.
Attendance at musical events can inspire and encourage your child."
(From a National Piano Foundation parent guide.)