Here we have collected articles, ideas, and tips to help you support music in your home:

Supporting Practice:

FAQs

How long does the Covid 19 Virus live on surfaces such as my student's instrument?

This is a question many of us are asking, and not just in regards to instruments.... this article from USA Today explains in depth how long the virus can survive on common surfaces

See also this article by Bandstand Ltd. They are one of our trusted music suppliers and repair companies from Edmonton Alberta.

How much should my student be practicing?

Each of us teacher's have our own philosophy and ideas...but we agree it should be often. I think the better questions is How do I know that my child is practicing effectively?

Playing the same piece over and over again, or playing through all the pieces in one's folder is a type of practice. Many musicians will play a piece from beginning to end for the purpose of identifying which areas to attack first. Uses as self assessment this can be effective. There is also something to be said for getting the big picture.

Effective practice is focused, it has goals it wishes to achieve, and it is often short. (which kids think is a good thing) Students might decide...today I am going to master the fingerings in measures 9-11, or today I am going to work on making this part of the song a true piano (soft) with a good supported sound.

Teachers will help students by setting these goals for them...but as a parent you can help too. Ask your child questions while they are practicing...which may annoy them...some suggestions

• Why did you choose to play that piece first?

• Why did you stop playing just now? What exactly are you trying to fix?

• Ask them to tell you about their pieces...what is the story they are trying to tell? What is the rest of the band doing at this point in the piece?

• Do you have the melody or harmony there?

Questions that ask students to stop and reflect on how, or why they are doing something make the learning more authentic.