PIANO LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

At the Winston Piano Studio, located in East Cobb, Marietta Ga, I strive to keep piano lessons engaging and fun. Classical, popular, and jazz-inspired musical styles are explored. Learning to play the piano is much more than a hobby – when children learn how to focus their energy and attention to achieve musical goals, they acquire self-mastery that can be applied to all aspects of their life.

Piano lessons encompass:

• good posture and hand position
• recognizing musical symbols
• sight reading
• repertoire
• rhythm and harmony
• playing ‘by ear’.

As the student progresses, piano lessons also explore musical structure, improvisation, composition, and music history. Students are shown how to practice in an effective manner and leave the lesson knowing exactly how to prepare for the next lesson. For young students, parents are encouraged to sit near the piano and participate so they can better guide their child’s practice at home. When parents, teacher, and child are united in the adventure of learning, great things can happen.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Creating the Right Enviornment

Coordinate with your family to schedule the best time for your child's daily practice. Practicing only "when I'm in the mood" will not bring good results. Plan a 7-day practice schedule that the student and family can rely upon. Place the piano or keyboard in a room without TV or computer distraction. If that arrangement is not possible, then it essential to have the TV turned off during the practice session: a noisy environment and disruptions by others will frustrate your child's attempts to focus on their music study. Good lighting is essential for your child's learning ability. Over-head room lighting is not adequate. Lighting that shines directly on the music is required. Have an adjustable bench or cushions and footrests that position your child properly at the keyboard since unlike the violin, smaller sizes of the piano are not readily available.

Emotional Support

If your child becomes discouraged or frustrated, ask them to play for you. Listen appreciatively, and compliment their skill without appearing to be patronizing. You many ask your child to play for others as a way of providing them with performance opportunities, but never force them if they do not want to. Playing the piano takes time and effort, and developing an artistic skill has several benefits: it improves overall academic performance in school; cultivates pride of accomplishment; develops character through sustained determination that is required for many tasks throughout life. Frequently let your child know that his or her daily practice has your earnest appreciation and moral support.

A Musical Household

Children learn through imitation of their social environment, so include active appreciation of music and the arts in your family life, including exposure to concerts, recitals, ballet, opera, musicals, and live theater. Helping your child build a CD collection is also an excellent way to encourage their musical awareness. Low-cost CDs of both classical and popular music are available over the Internet. Consult your child's teacher for suggestions of what music may be of interest to your child. Make time to be with your child and listen together to CDs, because this teaches listening skills as well as artistic appreciation.

Communication

Keep in touch with the piano teacher, either before or after the lesson, as well as by phone and email. Questions are always welcome, and feedback is encouraged.

How You Fit In

Always keep in mind that your support is a key element in your child's success with piano lessons. Music achievement requires effort over a period of time.

You can help your child by:

• Scheduling Practice Times: Write out a 7-day practice schedule, with 30 minutes per day for beginners. 45 to 60 minutes for intermediate.
• Providing a quiet place in which to practice.
• Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible with young children. Teenagers require more independence.
• Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice.
• Praising your child's efforts and achievements.
  
  

What To Do

To give your child the best possible support, you should:

• Encourage your child to play for family and for friends.
• Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
• Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her lessons. Make sure your child's instrument is always in good working order.
• Allow your child to play many types of music, not just study pieces.
• Listen to your child practice, and acknowledge improvement.
• Help your child build a personal music library.
• Try to get your child to make a minimum two-year commitment to his or her music studies.
  
  

What Not To Do

Your child's progress will be greatly enhanced if you...

• Don't use practice as a punishment.
• Don't insist your child play for others when they don't want to.
• Don't ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
• Don't apologize to others for your child's weak performance.
• Don't start your child on an instrument that's in poor working order or condition.
• Don't expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.
  
  

If Your Child Loses Interest

In the event your child loses interest in his or her music studies, don't panic.

• Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining.
• Talk to your child's music teacher to see what might be done to rekindle their enthusiasm.
• Encourage your child to stick with lessons for an agreed period of time.
• Offer increased enthusiasm and support.
  
  

Tips for Parents was developed by the following organizations in the interest of making music study and participation an enjoyable and richly rewarding experience for children and their families.
* Jonathan Baker
* American Music Conference
* Music Educators National Conference
* Music Teachers National Association
* National Association of Music Merchants