Tips for success

Learning an instrument can be a very exciting opportunity for students! Parents play an integral part in at home music making – from making sure your child gets enough practice time, to giving lots of positive reinforcement. Here are my tips to help your child succeed playing their instrument:

1. Create a practice space at home: it doesn’t have to be large or elaborate, but try to give your child a designated area for daily practice.

2. Create a daily, uninterrupted block of practice time: daily practice is the key to success! The more your child practices concepts learned in lessons, the faster they will advance!

3. Have at home “concerts”: this can be a great way to hear your child's progress while they practice performing for an audience!

4. Establish an attitude of commitment: make a commitment to practicing, attending lessons, and sticking with your instrument for the school year!

5. Give lots of positive reinforcement: sometimes the sounds that can come out of an instrument are… interesting. However, make sure you’re still giving encouragement! How many times have you heard at a sporting event “good luck, you’ll get it next time.” Same goes for music!

6. Occasionally practice with them, or have them teach you: sitting in on occasional practices can be very encouraging for some students. Even if you don’t know how to play an instrument, just being there can be a great motivator! Having your child teach you what they have learned is also a great way for them to practice their skills!

7. Be an active listener: we all get distracted sometimes, but if you hear your child playing randomly, they might not be practicing purposefully! Someone who practices with purpose will improve dramatically over the person who practices without purpose!

8. Communicate with their teacher: I want your child to be successful! If you feel there is a concern, or have any questions don’t hesitate contact me!