Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, dates and times are subject to change.
COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning Guidelines
First, make sure your child has a dedicated practice space at home that is available any time. Make sure siblings understand how private and important this space is for the orchestra student, and that it is off limits.
Ideas to try:
Ask your child to give a Home Concert, where your child performs their music for you. You can even help them make a concert program that lists what they will perform. You will love this!
Have a discussion about what your child is learning in Orchestra. "What pieces are you learning this week, dear," is a great question to ask at any time and will easily transition into a conversation about music! You may even inspire them to go practice. :)
Ask to hear one of the songs your child is working on in orchestra. Students love performing for others, especially family!
Offer rewards for consistent practice sessions, such as tickets to the next symphony concert (Brown-Barge students get Saturday dress rehearsal tickets FOR FREE just by listing my name and the name of our school!), a fancy rosin, a colored bow, new strings, a book of Disney songs, jewelry shaped like their instrument, etc. Many of these incentives can be easily purchased from a local music store. Make the rewards fun & creative!
Links to great videos, articles and books:
Article: Tips from a Musician Mommy
YouTube: Shirley Bell story about practicing with her son, Joshua Bell (world-renowned Violin Soloist)
Article: Getting Kids to Practice Music - Without Tears or Tantrums
Book for Students: The Young Musician's Survival Guide: Tips from Teens and Pros
Book for Parents: The Music Parents' Survival Guide: A Parent-to-Parent Conversation