Instrument Rental Agreement Form

Click on the course to request access to the Communication & Assessment Plan.

COMMIT LONG-TERM

Learning to play an instrument can be compared to learning a new language. It takes time and dedicated practice to see any success. As a guardian, you can help your child by insisting that they stay committed with a long-term goal in sight. Generally, it takes at least 1-2 years to see achievement on any instrument. Stay the course and don't let your child give up! They will thank you for the rest of your life if you help them stick with it. 

ENCOURAGE DAILY PRACTICE

If at all possible, encourage your child's practice time to be at the same time and place every day. Daily practice should be like brushing your teeth, seamlessly fitting into the daily routine.

PROVIDE A DESIGNATED PRACTICE SPACE

It is helpful if you encourage your child to have a space designated for practice, away from distraction, electronic devices and other family members. Keeping your child's instrument in a space where it isn't easily forgotten is also helpful.

BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT

Your child will be more likely to practice efficiently and regularly if you take an active interest in what they are doing. Pull up a chair and listen to them at least a couple days a week, away from electronic devices. Ask them questions such as what they are working on, what parts are the most challenging for them, their favourite scale or song, etc.

HAVE PATIENCE & A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

One of the most helpful (and most challenging) things to do is to have patience and a positive attitude as your child practices their instrument. You will hear many terrible and unrecognizable tunes as your child begins practicing their instrument regularly in the early stages. Remember, with dedicated and FREQUENT practice, this too shall pass! Sooner than later, your child will be a virtuoso!

GET INVOLVED & STAY INFORMED

The best way to stay involved is to follow your child's band program on social media pages (AVWH Band Parents Association on Facebook) and read email correspondence from your child's director. Our program offers Band Parents' volunteer opportunities, so please lend a helping hand whenever possible. Running a school music program takes a village!

LISTEN TO QUALITY MUSIC

The best way for your child to learn what a good, characteristic tone on their instrument sounds like is to listen to quality music and performing artists. Need some recommendations? Check out these Woodwind, Brass, (Double Bass coming soon!), and Percussion YouTube playlists.

ATTEND LIVE PERFORMANCES

Hearing and experiencing live musical performances is inspiring to young musicians. Check out local orchestras, such as the Four Seasons Orchestra, or Symphony Nova Scotia. Consider taking your child to a performance or watching one online. Do you attend the Avon View or Acadia School of Music concerts? If not, consider giving them the opportunity to meet other musicians and possibly their future directors. Your child will be motivated to see what may be in their future if they stay committed to their music program!