FIVE WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF PIANO LESSONS
Here are five tips to get the most out of piano lessons. Following these guidelines will help your child have a more rewarding experience. These are practical tips gathered from experts in the field of music education.
1. DETERMINE READINESS. Just as in language development, children need to sing and move to music before they learn to read and write music. Children who complete a strong aural music and movement readiness program and are able to sing in tune and keep a steady beat will be more successful when they attempt to meet the challenges of playing an instrument. Sometimes children as young and 4 or 5 years are ready to begin formal instruction if given an opportunity to study piano using a developmentally appropriate approach that emphasizes sound before sight. If a more traditional approach is used, most teachers recommend students begin at about second grade.
2. CONSIDER BOTH GROUP AND PRIVATE INSTRUCTION. Some children learn best when instruction occurs in a private setting. They focus better and progress more quickly when working privately with an instructor. However, many children benefit from a peer group setting. Sharing some lesson time with other students makes piano lessons more fun, allows for extended instruction time, and provides an opportunity for students to learn from one another. Check to see whether the teachers you are considering offer both opportunities.
3. TAKE LESSONS IN A PROFESSIONAL TEACHING ENVIRONMENT. Learning music is not just a matter of having a qualified teacher, but also having an environment that is focused on music education. In a professional environment, television, telephones, siblings, or pets will not distract students.
4. MAKE PRACTICE TIME EASIER.
a. Rewards - Find ways to externally reward your child for practice at home until he or she is mature enough to be internally motivated. At lessons, students are rewarded with stars or stickers on their work. Genuine praise, however, is the most coveted award.
b. Time – Do your best to set a regular time for practice so that it becomes a habit. Generally, the earlier in the day, the less reminding a student requires from parents.
c. Repetition – For young children, 20 or 30 minutes seems like an eternity. Instead of setting a time frame, try using repetition. Ask your child to play a piece 3 times, or to play scales, chords and arpeggios for two different keyalities each day. The child knows then that if they are on repetition #3, they are almost done with the piece. This approach can be extended to include trying to play a piece 3 times without a mistake, or 3 times in a row without a mistake.
5. CHECK THE PIANO CURRICULUM. Be sure your child is being taught using an approach that understands how children best learn music. Ask the teacher to explain how the method will help your child develop true music literacy, which is the ability to read notation with understanding. In addition, find out how the method will develop your child’s musicianship and encourage lifelong musical enjoyment and participation long after the lessons stop.
Music Moves
www.musicmovesforchildren.com
616-281-8901
