ELEVEN WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD

Encouraging your child's musical endeavors will help him or her make regular, steady progress.  Eleven ways in which you can encourage your child:

1. Parents of young students (ages four through six) are encouraged to practice with their child. As independent practice skills develop, parents can gradually decrease this "together" time.

2.  Praise your child's efforts OFTEN!  Your child is learning a complex skill, and will be more motivated if you focus on strengths, rather than limitations.  Compliment what your child is doing well.

3.  If your child is struggling with a passage, suggest he or she play it a few more times slowly.

4.  Tell your child that you would enjoy hearing a piece that he or she is currently studying, or ask to hear a piece that was previously learned. 

5.  Be sure that your child has a quiet, comfortable practice space, an instrument in good repair, good lighting, and a comfortable bench or seat of the correct height.

6.  Expect regular DAILY practice.  Brief, regular practice sessions will lead to more progress than sporadic practice marathons.  In general, the following practice times would be appropriate:
        ages six through eight             20 to 30 minutes daily
        ages nine through twelve        at least 30 minutes daily        
        ages thirteen and over            30 to 60 minutes daily
Practice can be broken into two separate sessions each day.  Students who are highly motivated and just love to play may practice more!

7.  Ask you child to show you a new skill he or she has learned, or to teach you something new.

8.  Play music regularly in your home as part of a normal routine.  This can be music you like, your child likes, or break new ground with something you are both unfamiliar with.  Make CD's and other playback resources available to your child. 

9.  Take your child to hear (age appropriate) live performances, and encourage your child to participate in school-sponsored musical activities.

10.  If necessary, consider rewarding your child for regular practicing, pieces played well, or other achievements.  Although some students are self-motivated by the intrinsic pleasure of learning music, some children are helped with specific rewards.

11.  Encourage (but don't force) your child to play some favorite pieces at family gatherings, holiday parties, and other opportunities.