Tips for Success
Before The Lesson--Be Prepared!
Note: Parents can greatly assist in making each lesson the most valuable for students through carefully organizing the activities right before each lesson. In order to do their best during their lessons, students must have a state of relaxed focus and be ready for an intense period of concentration. Therefore, we request that you arrive at least ten minutes before your scheduled lesson/class, so you have time to hang your coat, go to the restroom, take your instrument out of the case, prepare it and your books before your lesson.
Parents and their students are encouraged to observe the lesson before and or after theirs for a few minutes to enhance their focus. Whether the lesson before or after the student is technically more or less difficult, it will work on skills such as intonation, rhythm, and tone quality important also toyour child. Both students and parents gain when watching other students working on the same skills your child and you practice.
During the Lesson--Be Attentive!
Parents who attend lessons and are strongly involved with their students’ practice greatly enhance their children’s progress. Parents of younger students must attend the lesson to take notes, to study pages, and to ask questions on how to guide practice at home. Many parents of our most successful older students take notes at lessons and give support during home practice. Even parents of the School’s most advanced and independent learners frequently interact with students and with teachers concerning lessons, attitudes and progress. They attend some lessons and all performances.
Parents should sit where they can observe their child, the music and the teacher. They should refrain from reading material or doing other work. Siblings attending the lesson should be provided quiet activities that do not distract their parents from the child taking the lesson. Obviously, parents should not socialize during lesson times. They should take notes, particularly concerning the goals on which to focus practice during the coming week. Parents should also avoid interrupting the lesson, but are encouraged to write down questions and clarify them before leaving.
Your teacher will correct your child’s discipline when necessary, so please save discussions of behavior for the ride home.
Parents should sit where they can observe their child, the music and the teacher. They should refrain from reading material or doing other work. Siblings attending the lesson should be provided quiet activities that do not distract their parents from the child taking the lesson. Obviously, parents should not socialize during lesson times. They should take notes, particularly concerning the goals on which to focus practice during the coming week. Parents should also avoid interrupting the lesson, but are encouraged to write down questions and clarify them before leaving.
Your teacher will correct your child’s discipline when necessary, so please save discussions of behavior for the ride home.
After the Lesson--Listen!
Parents should ask their child about her/his impressions of the lesson. These responses to lessons can then help guide the practice sessions during the week.
During the week continue to listen. Even parents who do not participate directly with student’s practice can help guide their child at home if they are aware of the quality of attention the student gives to his/her practice.
During the week continue to listen. Even parents who do not participate directly with student’s practice can help guide their child at home if they are aware of the quality of attention the student gives to his/her practice.
Organize Weekly Home Recitals
Parents should regularly (weekly) have your child give you a private recital to demonstrate progress s/he has recently made on new repertoire or techniques. Occassionally organize similare performances for other family aor close friends. This can become one of the most important tools you have for encouraging your child to work harder during practice and to become better prepared for public performances.