Tips for Students

We want you to get the most out of Music Lessons

So you want to get the most out of your lessons? We do too!  Now that you have made the most important first step of taking lessons, we'll assist you in building the habits and understanding how to do your best. Here are a few of the basics to assist you in supporting you or a  child's musical education.

Persistence Matters

Young children and even old ones may stop practicing from time to time. This is normal. Music lessons can go through difficult stages at times. It is at these times that discontinuing lessons may seem to be the obvious solution. At these moments we like to tell parents "It's just like food." Kids are fickle and sometimes they stop eating green beans for a few weeks. They may hate mashed potatoes for two months then suddenly love them again.

Time is Everything

If possible, choose the same time & duration each day.  Make it part of your child's everyday routine.   Timing is important because much like exercise, if you put it off towards later in the day, often it doesn't happen. For your kids try practicing in the morning; perhaps 15 minutes of practice before breakfast.

Develop the Practice Habit

Practicing is good for you. If you're trying to convince a child this, sit with the child when they practice for the first few months of lessons, as often as possible.  For those younger children, call it "Play Time" and not "Practice." Children need help in developing the discipline to practice on their own. 

It's Called "Playing" Music

Positive feedback is very important whether you're practicing by yourself or helping a child. Be cheerful and encouraging even to yourself. At the end of your practice session, make sure the last thing you do is fun.

Have Patience 

Improvement takes time. We know through experience that if someone stays with lessons for at least three years, he or she will have a foundation & appreciation of music that will last a lifetime.  The first year is fun. The second is more challenging. In the third year, more and more doors open up.

Remember to practice regularly!

RECITAL AS THE GOAL
Make the recitals your child's goal for all of their earned efforts in practice.  Make the recital a special day by inviting neighbors and relatives.  Have a special after recital dinner.  Show your budding musician that they are special and that practicing has real rewards.

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