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As a parent, you play an important and central role in your child’s education!
Your interest and support of your child’s involvement in music can make a significant difference in the success they achieve.
Many parents who would like to assist their children in music may feel uncertain about or unable to help.
The music teachers in Waterford offer the following suggestions which will hopefully enable you as a parent to better help your child find success and enjoy their study of music.
Children need support and encouragement to gain confidence; never ridicule or make light of your child’s efforts no matter how unsophisticated the musical results may be.
Help your child to set aside a regular time for practice and assist him/her in maintaining a daily practice routine.
Provide a quiet and private place for your child to practice, away from sources of distraction.
Until good practice habits are developed, parents should not be reluctant to be firm in your insistence upon regular and meaningful practice.
Practice must be purposeful and directed at accomplishing specific results. Monitor your child’s practice periodically to be sure that it is addressing specific goals.
Periodically ask your child to perform for you and remember to reinforce their efforts with praise.
Help your child to understand that developing skills in music can be a slow and demanding process. Patience and persistence are important traits for success in music.
Know that providing the opportunity for your child to learn about music is a life long gift you give to them. There will be periods of What frustration and low motivation during which students may need your help and encouragement. Help your child to understand that “dropping out” may be the easiest, but is seldom the best solution.
Provide opportunities for your child to attend live musical performances of many different types.
Encourage students to seek opportunities to perform in public, alone or in groups, both in and out of school.
Show interest in your child’s musical development by regularly attending his/her concerts and recitals.
Involvement in music provides students with the opportunity to learn the meaning of teamwork. Help your child understand and accept his/her responsibilities as a member of a musical organization by ensuring attendance at rehearsals and concert.
When well taught and seriously studied, music will provide opportunities for children to grow physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually in ways that only the arts can do. Help them to understand the value and benefits of their investment in the study of music.