Parent-Student Support Guide

How You, as a Parent,  Fit In

By allowing your child to study a musical instrument, you are providing the opportunity to expand your child's potential for self-expression, creativity, as well as musical and academic achievement. The decision to provide your child with a quality musical instrument is an investment in your child's future, both musically and academically.

Countless studies have concluded that parental attitude, support, and involvement are important factors in a child's ability to successfully learn to play and enjoy music.

The guidelines listed below are designed to assist you in giving your child the best support possible for his or her musical endeavors. Like any skill, interest counts far more than talent. With strong support from you, practicing and performing music will become a natural part of your child's life.

Please always keep in mind that your support is an essential part of your child's success with music study!

What To Do

To give your child the best possible support, you should:

1. Remind your child to bring their instrument to orchestra class on their scheduled class meeting day or days

2. Encourage your child to play for family and friends

3. Offer compliments and encouragement regularly

4. Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals

5. Encourage your child to talk with you about classes

6. Make sure your child's instrument is always maintained well

7. Listen to your child practice, and acknowledge improvement

8. Help your child build a personal music library

9. Encourage your child to make a commitment to his or her music studies

10. Get to know your child's teacher

What to Avoid

1. Use practice as a punishment

2. Insist your child play for others when he or she doesn't want to

3. Ridiculing or making fun of mistakes of less-than-perfect playing

4. Apologizing to others for your child's weak performance

Schedule Practice Times

Music achievement requirements effort over a period of time. The time in orchestra rehearsal is limited. New concepts during school hours need daily personal practice time by your child at home in order for these skills to be developed. 

You can help your child by:

1. Providing a quiet place in which they can practice

2. Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible

3. Schedule a consistent daily time for practice

4. Praising your child's efforts and achievements

To Maintain Your Child's Interest

1. Talk with your child if his or her interest begins to decline

2. Discuss with the orchestra teacher ways to maintain your child's enthusiasm for playing (JoPowers@dallasisd.org)

3. Increase your enthusiasm and involvement in your child's playing