Tip #7

In the past weeks, we shared tips on setting the right expectations (TIP#1), asking the right questions (TIP#2), how to be involved in the first practice (TIP #3), avoiding the words ‘hard and easy’ while describing their work (TIP#4), accepting negative feelings as part of your musical growth (TIP#5) and rethinking the meaning of ‘talent’ (TIP#6).

As teachers, we see families get into a cycle of frustration that they can easily avoid. Children start getting piano lessons, they get assignments and they are expected to practice at home. After a short time, they do not meet the 'unrealistic' expectations in terms of ‘practice’ and when they experience the disappointment of their teachers and their parents, they start completely avoiding practice. Therefore parents decide that their children do not have what it takes, they are lazy or they are just not talented.

Unfortunately, this is a way too common scenario.

However, this all has a very simple explanation. When our children start music lessons, they simply do not know how to practice just like they do not know how to play.

….yet…

The first principle to embrace is commitment. Time will provide the skills for both practice and playing. Allow your children a lifetime and not a couple of months. That is the best gift a parent can give to a child who is starting music lessons.

In the mean time, the best way a parent can provide support for new students is educating themselves about how to practice.

This can be done as simple as talking to the teachers about their recommendations and reading our Positive Piano Practice emails.

The best way for students to build practice habits is to LISTEN to their teachers word by word and TAKE NOTES while practicing about what works.

Next week we will talk about how both positive and negative feelings of parents reflect on their children and how to turn that into a tool to support their children’s growth in music education.

May you know you are making a difference, even if your child never tells you themselves.

We would be more than happy to answer any questions and provide more specific consultancy if needed.

Thank you for being a part of the PianoAlpharetta community!