Support For Parents
The Importance of Parents
Parents of young students are encouraged to attend and experience the lessons so they can recall the points raised by the teacher, and supervise practice at home. When the great British piano teacher Fanny Waterman was asked about her success with young students, she replied: “I don’t choose the student, I choose the parents!” In other words, young children cannot succeed on their own if the parents are detached. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Place the piano or keyboard in a room without TV or computer distraction. If that arrangement is not possible, then it is essential to have the TV turned off during the practice session: a noisy environment and disruptions by others will frustrate your child’s attempts to maintain the focus that the piano requires.
Good lighting is essential for your child’s learning ability. Over-head room lighting alone is not adequate: place a reading light that shines directly on the music score. If headphones are used with a digital keyboard, make sure they are not heavy and annoying, but light-weight.
Emotional Support
If your child becomes discouraged or frustrated, ask them to play for you. Listen appreciatively, and compliment their skill without appearing to be patronizing. You may ask your child to play for others as a way of providing them with performance opportunities, but never force them if they do not want to.
Playing the piano takes time and effort, and developing an artistic skill has several benefits: it improves overall academic performance in school; cultivates pride of accomplishment; develops character through sustained determination that is required for many tasks throughout life. Frequently let your child know that his or her daily practice has your earnest appreciation and moral support.
Musical Household
Children learn through imitation of their social environment, so include an active appreciation of music and the arts in your family life, including exposure to concerts, recitals, ballet, opera, musicals, and live theater. Helping your child build a collection of recordings is also an excellent way to encourage their musical awareness. Consult your child’s teacher for suggestions of what music may be of interest to your child. Make time to be with your child and listen together, because this teaches listening skills as well as artistic appreciation.
Communication
Keep in touch with the piano teacher, either before or after the lesson, as well as by phone and email. Questions are always welcome, and feedback is encouraged.
What To Do
To give your child the best possible support, you should:
Encourage your child to play for family and for friends.
Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her lessons.
Make sure your child's instrument is tuned and always in good working order.
Allow your child to play many types of music, not just study pieces.
Listen to your child practice, and acknowledge improvement.
Help your child build a personal music library.
Try to get your child to make a minimum two-year commitment to his or her music studies.
Coordinate with your family to schedule the best time for your child’s daily practice.
Practicing only “when I’m in the mood” will not bring good results.
You Can Help Your Child By:
Scheduling Practice Times: Write out a 7-day practice schedule, with 20 to 30 minutes per day for beginners. 45 to 60 minutes for intermediate. Advanced students will need at least 60 minutes per day.
Providing a quiet place in which to practice.
Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible with younger children. Teenagers require more independence.
Praising your child's efforts and achievements.
What Not To Do
Your child's progress will be greatly enhanced if you...
Don't use practice as a punishment.
Don't insist your child play for others when they don't want to.
NEVER ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
Don't apologize to others for your child's weak performance.
Don't start your child on an instrument that's in poor working order or condition.
Don't expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.
Tip for Parents
Always keep in mind that your support is a key element in your child's success with piano lessons. Indifference to the child’s efforts guarantees their failure, while engagement with their progress builds confidence and renewed commitment toward ongoing growth.
Tips for Parents was developed by the following organizations in the interest of making music study and participation an enjoyable and richly rewarding experience for children and their families.
American Music Conference
Music Educators National Conference
Music Teachers National Association
National Association of Music Merchants
Resources
Piano Lesson NYC with Piano Teacher Jonathan Baker. Piano Lessons in New York City and Private Lessons for Children and Adults.
If Your Child Loses Interest
In the event your child loses interest in his or her music studies, don't panic.
Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining.
Talk to your child's music teacher to see what might be done to rekindle their enthusiasm.
Encourage your child to stick with lessons for an agreed period of time.
Offer increased enthusiasm and support.