How to Practice:
How Parents Can Help:
Private lessons are encouraged as a supplement to the school performing music program. It is important to realize that musical development is different with every child and that each instrument brings a host of unique challenges to a student. A young musician can benefit greatly from the expertise of a specialist on their instrument in a one-on-one setting. Please consult your school music teacher before enlisting the services of a private instructor.
- Find a well-lit place with a firm, straight-back chair where the risk of interruption is minimal. Use a music stand to hold the music at the correct height and position for playing.
- Begin the practice session with a familiar warm-up routine.
- While practicing, a successful performer always concentrates on fundamentals such as posture, breathing, embouchure (mouth position), hand position, bowing, sticking, etc.
How Parents Can Help:
- Praise your child’s efforts and achievements.
- Show interest in the music study of your child.
- Arrange a consistent time for regular daily practice.
- Provide a quiet, well-lit place, with a music stand, in which to practice.
- Provide a safe place in which to store the instrument.
- Keep the instrument in good repair. Should a repair be necessary, do not attempt to repair your child’s instrument yourself. Please consult the music teacher immediately for the proper course of action to take, or for a list of recommended repair technicians.
- Be aware of your child’s schedule in order to help him/her to be punctual for rehearsal and lessons. See that your child takes his/her instrument and music on days of lessons and rehearsals.
- Make faithful attendance at all performances a priority.
- Encourage your child to perform for others when opportunities arise.
- Play a variety of recordings of master artists for your child. Encourage your child to be active listeners of music.
- Take your child to live concerts as often as possible.
- Encourage him/her through technical challenges.
Private lessons are encouraged as a supplement to the school performing music program. It is important to realize that musical development is different with every child and that each instrument brings a host of unique challenges to a student. A young musician can benefit greatly from the expertise of a specialist on their instrument in a one-on-one setting. Please consult your school music teacher before enlisting the services of a private instructor.