Parents’ Page
This page is dedicated to the parents... the wonderful source of our students! Throughout my teaching experience, I have noticed a few tricks that help kids stay focused and interested in music. Check here periodically for new information about how to keep kids encouraged.
When telling your student that it is time to practice, be very cheerful about it. If you show a negative attitude, they will see that and not want to practice.
Make sure that your child has a positive attitude about music. Let them know that this is something they are really good at. Don't let them talk you out of practicing because of a bad day or because they don't understand their music. Nine times out of 10, we go over everything they have to play: if something is difficult, they have the knowledge and the tools to figure it out. If they are having a bad day, tell them that music sometimes sooths out the bad feelings and can make you feel better.
Create a successful practice environment.
- Set a consistent practice time every day.
- Remove visual and noise distractions (pets, siblings, television).
- Remain nearby to hear progress and offer encouragement.
- Make sure the room is well lit and at a comfortable temperature.
- Scent up! Studies have shown that an aromatic stimulus will enhance attentions levels, memory and cognitive learning.
- Keep your piano tuned and in good repair.
Telling your children that their music looks “really difficult” can make them feel good about their advancement. Be sure, however, that this doesn't backfire. They might agree with you and tell you that it's too hard for them.
Some children work better if there is someone “watching and listening” to their practice sessions. Most children play through their piece and know it's not their best but won't run through it again or practice their trouble spots. If you are in the same room (reading a book or magazine, cleaning or sewing, etc.) sometimes the words “Do it again!!” really make a child practice and learn the song. They won't have to practice as much because they will want to get it right the first time. Also, if you choose not to answer the phone or allow other interruptions during a practice session, you are sending the message to your child that the session is important to you.
Each student has a ”star chart“ in a binder kept at my studio. For every hour that they practice, students will receive one star on the chart. (For students six years and younger, thirty minutes of practice time earns one star.) For every ten stars, the student is entitled to pick out ONE prize from the prize basket. Please indicate on your student’s assignment notebook how much time is actually practiced. Include your signature and verify that the time practiced is correct.
Have your child set goals (but make sure they are realistic) and encourage them to work hard to achieve them. Here is a short list of some achievable goals:
- Learn all major scales and be able to play with hands together.
- Learn all major chords and learn to play with hands together.
- Learn to be a faster note reader.
- Try to practice for a set amount of time once or twice a day. Then try raising the time amount each week.
- Try to memorize other pieces that you have already passed.
- Practice performing in front of your family and friends to get used to playing for an audience.
- Try to do your theory homework a little each day, instead of finishing it in the car on the way to lessons.
Devise creative ways to make practicing fun!
- Hold small concerts each week…for a parent, neighbor, friends, or some favorite stuffed animals. Make up some programs and have each person take notes of a few things they liked.
- Video record a practice session and then watch it with your child.
- Have a puzzle where the child can place one piece after the completion of each assignment.
- Throw a basketball in a hoop (or whatever sport your child enjoys) after the completion of each assignment. Set a goal for how many baskets can be made by the end of the session.
- Divide a piece into 5 sections. Roll a die to see which section to practice. (Do this several times.) A 6 means the whole piece should be performed.
- Create a grab bag with the names of pieces, or parts of pieces, and other assignments. Include a few fun surprises.
- Light several votive candles and allow your child to blow one out after each completed assignment.
- Set up a board game or Hangman and take a turn after each completed assignment.
- Buy a practice candle. Light the candle and keep it burning while your child is practicing. Blow it out at the end of each session. When the candle is burned down to the bottom, the child earns a pre-determined prize.
- Write your child's practice assignments on several small pieces of paper. Wrap the pieces of paper around pennies/nickels. The child unwraps the paper, completes the assignment and keeps the coin.
Above all, always remember to be involved with your child. They love to see their parents interested in what they are learning. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if you have no idea what they are talking about!!!
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Houston piano dealers (please always mention a referral from Francine Di!)
- Houston Piano Company (ask for Maggie Ying)
- Forshey Piano Company
- Sherman Clay
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