What is my role in my child’s music instruction? How can I help my child to have a positive experience with his or her lessons?

Parents play a very important role in music lessons for young children. Lessons are a total partnership between the child and the parents. The authors of the course recommend that parents attend lessons with their children. When this is not possible, many teachers will spend the last five minutes of the lesson time going through the assignment with you so that you know how to assist with practice during the week. If you are able to attend the lesson, you can aid the child in locating the appropriate materials during the lesson and you will have a better understanding of how to help in practice at home. As a minimum, during practice time you will have to guide the order of things to practice and read directions to your child. The practice time is an important time for sharing and bonding between you and your child.

Additionally,

1. Parents are responsible for getting the child to the lesson on time with all the necessary materials. Regular attendance is very important for success.

2. At home, parents should look through the books with the child. They should discuss the pictures in the books with the child, read the story in the Music Lesson Book to him/her, and listen to the CD together as a family. Playing the CD in the car or playing it while the child is doing another quiet activity like artwork or playing with puzzles will help reinforce ear training.

3. Parents should understand that the child’s interest in music lessons might not maintain a steady pace. Their interest will vary from week to week. Parents play a supportive role in encouraging this interest while understanding that it is normal for interest to waiver. Attendance at lessons and practice at home are required activities for the child. Parents should never ask the child if he/she wants to practice or go to the lesson.

4. When attending and participating in lessons with the child, parents must respond to the music themselves rather than “prodding” the child. In addition, adult conversation in the lesson should be restricted. Parents should participate in lessons but not dominate them.

5. Communication with the teacher is very important for student success. The Music for Little Mozarts Lesson Assignment Book provides a convenient section for parents and teachers to write notes to each other concerning the child’s lesson and practice experience.

6. Parents should be supportive of lessons, yet be non-judgmental about the child’s learning styles and abilities. Encourage your child while avoiding comparisons and competition with other children.

7. Parents are responsible for helping the child practice at home. The biggest challenges will be finding time for practice in today’s busy life and keeping the practice exciting and fresh each day. Practice should be 10–15 minutes each day at a specific time with no interference from the TV, computer, or other family members. It is wise to practice as early in the day as possible, keep a record of practice time, and establish a reward system for effective practice. Two brief practice times are preferable to one longer session. The parent should sit near the child during the practice time, so that the child doesn’t feel isolated. Parents (especially those who attend lessons) may want to practice the child’s assignment without the child to develop a comfort factor with the material.