Making Music Fun is a Three-Legged Stool
To help your child down the path of becoming a life-long music maker, simply think of a three-legged stool. Remove one leg from a three-legged stool and it tips over. And just like that stool, there are three things every student needs to be successful; committed parents, a good teacher, and a good piano.
Committed, Connected Parents
While their role is often underestimated, parents make or break the musical experience. There are a few simple things parents can do on a daily basis to promote the importance of piano lessons.
First, set a regular practice time. Just like dinner, homework, sports and baths, piano practice should happen around the same time every day. Child psychologists report that the happiest children are those who have a regular routine. Be firm about practicing from day one and your child will get used to the schedule after just a few weeks.
Second, practice times instead of time. Setting practice sessions based on “how many minutes” only gets students watching the clock; practicing repetitions gets them focused on their music. A realistic expectation is to practice each song 3-5 times every day. Just like dinner, homework and baths, practice is done when it’s done, regardless of time.
Third, encourage your child. Even today, parents remain their child’s main influence. A few words of praise after every practice session will increase your child’s desire to make music… and make you proud. Finally, have face time with the teacher every week. Spending two minutes talking with the teacher after each lesson reaps huge benefits. During these short conversations, you will find out how the lesson went and where help may be needed. This also sends a clear message to your child that you take their piano lessons seriously.
A Good Teacher
Your child’s first experience with music will likely be the most lasting. While referral services and suggestions from friends can point you toward people who teach, you will need to dig a little deeper to find the right teacher for your child. Just as you set high expectations for your children, you should set high expectations for their teachers. Find someone who demonstrates a commitment to teaching, is well organized and has a good piano.
While the approach to finding a good teacher is the same whether the teacher operates independently or as part of a larger lesson studio, your child should never take lessons at a store that sells pianos. Although they present themselves as studios, piano store lesson programs are overwhelmingly focused on selling pianos. In “The Teach-to-Sell Model” (Music Inc Magazine, November 2009) one owner even admitted that “the entire sales team… is trained to teach classes” and added that “teaching keeps her staff busy during slow times.” Your child deserves a teacher who’s top priority is music education.
A Good Piano
The piano is where the ‘rubber meets the road’ for a student. The abilities of the piano itself vary depending on how well it was built, how old it is and how it is maintained. The best piano will be one that your child will grow ‘into’ instead of ‘out of.’
The easiest and most cost-effective way to find a good piano is to visit your local piano dealer and work directly with the owner if possible. They will want to spend about ten minutes talking with you to get a good idea of your needs. With the help of this expert, you should be able to find a great piano in your price range in an hour or so.
A new, well-built piano is always the best option for any student, but if you can’t purchase one right away, consider renting a new piano. The store owner who really wants to see you and your children succeed will offer student rental programs that apply the first several rent payments toward purchase. This typically costs less than purchasing a portable keyboard or used piano and greatly enhances the value of lessons. If your student does stop playing, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that it was not because they were practicing on a poor quality instrument.
Parents build the environment for practice, teachers provide the instruction and the piano rewards the player. By building a sturdy stool, you can make your child’s musical journey a fun, rewarding and lifelong experience.
Here are some questions that will help you learn more about potential teachers:
1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
2. How long have you been teaching?
3. How do you go about setting goals and measuring progress?
4. How do you communicate with parents?
5. What can you tell me about your student recitals?
6. How old are the pianos in your studio?
7. How often do you have your pianos tuned?
