The success of any music program depends largely on parental support!
Congratulations! You have a child that wants to learn to play a musical instrument! We promise you that this is something that bring both great rewards and some challenges along the way!
Even if you have never played a musical instrument, you will be able to play a massive part in your child's musical journey.
Help your child schedule practice. Make regular practice a routine from the beginning.
Don’t ask your child “Have you practised?” instead ask “Have you practided yet today?”
We know that the brain learns best by practicing frequently for short amounts of time. Beginner players only need to practice assigned tasks for about five minutes, but they should do this work once or twice almost every day.
As students gain skills and knowledge practice periods can be longer, and perhaps less frequent. Keep the focus not on how many minutes students are practicing, but what they are achieving. Can they perform their weekly goal? If yes, they have practiced enough, if no, keep working.
If a student does not practice at home, they are missing the key element of independent learning. At school students are getting direct instruction and guided practice, but independent learning and problem solving is the goal for all of our learners. This learning happens when students successfully practice at home.
Encourage your child when they are frustrated, as well as celebrating success.
This is not always easy. “Wow that sounds great! I am really hearing your improvement!”
Always look for (listen for) the good! In the beginning that may be difficult, but all sounds should be celebrated as progress and growth. Make sure all family members are speaking as positively as possible about those beginning sounds. Learning to play an instrument is “falling forward” we succeed and grow through our mistakes.
When your child is experiencing frustration and getting discouraged, help them to work through those feelings. Persistence is an important life skill, music learning will reinforce this skill.
Finally, please let us know when frustration continues, or you feel you child needs more help. We want to provide as much support as possible to ensure your child’s success.
Summary
▪ Show an interest in your child’s musical studies, ask your child to play for you and encourage performance.
▪ Attend band concerts and performances. Students work hard to prepare music for performance and the reward is far greater when your children have someone special to them in the audience cheering them on.
▪ Allow and encourage at home practice on a regular basis where your child can practice without distractions, interruptions or judgement..
▪ Check the website often for Band Program Updates.
▪ Hand in fundraising money and trip payments on time.
▪ Communicate any questions/concerns/needs to the band directors! We are so happy to hear from parents.
▪ Notify band directors ASAP if your child will be absent or tardy for a performance or rehearsal/class.
The single greatest benefit that can be provided is checking to make sure ones child practices his/her instrument daily.
Parents can maximize their child’s experience by:
Keeping up to date with activities &events through COMPASS and the school newsletter.
Attending performances.
Encouraging regular home practice sessions.
Ensuring all rehearsals and concerts are attending in a punctual manner.
Communicating any concerns or feedback to the instrumental teacher/head of music.
Providing a note for;
Ensemble rehearsal/lesson absence
Lateness to rehearsals
Notify Head of Music about the absence from a concert at least two weeks prior.
Inability to bring required equipment to lessons, rehearsals or performances
Issues with transport to or from a scheduled event.