•  What You Can Do To Help

    1)     Set up a regular practice routine (e.g., every day at 4 pm).  Making instrument practice part of the daily routine makes life easier for everybody.

    2)     Make sure the instrument is in good working order.  Please contact your child’s teacher with any problems.

    3)     Find a regular practice space.  Keep a chair and a stand set up there at all times (if possible). 

    4)     Sit with them while they practice a few times a week.  Ask them to try to explain to you what they are doing.

    5) Give them all of the positive encouragement that you can.  Learning to play an instrument can be frustrating.

    6) Encourage them.  Have them play for family and friends. If you help them set these small, low-pressure goals, it will give them have something else to focus on.

    7) Try  to avoid grimacing while your child practices.  They all sound a bit scary in the beginning.  They will get better and they can read your body language better than you would ever believe.

    8) Do you play an instrument?  Play along!  We will be happy to help you acquire a book so that you can join them on occasion.  The lesson series we use is wonderful for this. 

    9) Take your child to see live music performances.  Let us know if you need any ideas!