Tips for Parents

Set aside a regular time and suitable place (including a music stand and straight backed chair) for your child to practice each day. Practice for short sessions twice a day (5-10 minutes) at the beginning, increasing the length of the sessions as your child’s endurance improves and he or she can practice in one session

Remind your child to practice. Be aware if your child is practicing the correct material and call or email the teacher if you have questions. Simply asking your child to ‘perform’ the week’s assignment can be a great motivator.

Select a suitable place to store the instrument at home.

Help your child remember his or her instrument and music on lesson days.

Show your interest by attending concerts and taking an active part in practicing. A successful student is one who is encouraged both at home and at school.

Help your child understand that the more he/she practices now, the more enjoyment he/she will be able to derive from music performance in later years.

Keep your child’s instrument in good repair at all times. Reinforce proper instrument care and handling. Remind your child, it is not a toy.

Try the instrument yourself! You will better understand some of the difficulties and frustrations your child faces on his or her instrument.

Expose your child to a variety of music – especially music that includes his or her instrument.