A Parents Guide to Enhancing Your Childs Musical Experiences

Congratulations
Benefits
How you fit in
What to do
What not to do
Your decision to provide
your child with a quality musical
instrument is an investment in
your child’s future. In making it
possible for your child to play a
musical instrument, you are
providing the oppurtunity for
self expression,creativity, and
achievement.
Numerous studies indicate
that parental attitude, support,and
involvement are important factors
in a child’s ability to successfully
learn to play and enjoy music.
This flier is designed to
assist you in giving your child the
best support possible for his or
her musical endeavors. Like any
skill, interest counts far more than
talent. With the right support
from you, playing music will
become a natural part of your
childs life.
(Please note: If this instrument
was not purchased for a child,
the information is designed to
be helpful for any student.)
For Your Child
Musical participation enhances:
* Problem solving
* Teamwork
* Goal Setting
* Self-expression
* Coordination
* Memory Skills
* Self-confidence & esteem
* Concentration
* Poise
For your Family
A childs music study also offers
opportunities for shared family
experience including:
* Musical event attendance
* Family music making
* Performing for and with,
family and friends.
* Learning about the lives of the
composer and the cultural
heritage of Western Civilazation
* A sence of pride and success
for the entire family.
Always keep in mind that your
support is a key element in your
child’s success with music study.
Schedule Practice Times
Music achievement requires effort
over a period of time. You can help
your child by:
* Providing a quiet place in which
to practice.
* Remaining nearby during practice
times as often as possible.
* Scheduling a consistent, daily
time for practicing.
* Praising your child’s efforts
and achievements.
Selecting a Music Teacher
Formal music instruction can help
your child’s progress. In Choosing a
teacher, consider these points:
* Background and experience
* Comments from other parents
and students.
* Provisions for sharing music
through performance.
To locate a music teacher in our
area, feel free to inquire through
your local piano dealer

 

 

To give your child the best possible
support, you can:
* Encourage your child to play for
family and friends.
* Offer compliments and encourage
ment regularly
* 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 that the instrument is in
good working order.
* Listen to your child practice and
acknowledge improvements.
* Help your child build a personal
music library.
* Have your child make a minimum
two year commitment to their music
studies.

 

Your child’s progress will be greatly
enhanced if you:
* Don’t use practice as punnishment
* Don’t insist that your child plays
for others when they don’t want to.
* Don’t ridicule or make fun of
mistakes or less than perfect playing.
* Don’t apologize for your child’s
weak performance.
* Don’t start your child on an
instrument that is 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 with your child’s music
teacher to see what might be done to
rekindle their enthusiasm.
* encourage your child to stick with
lessons for the agreed on period of
time.
* Offer increased enthusiasm and
support.