Piano Lessons for Kids
As teachers, we want to foster a love and appreciation for piano music in our young learners. Our approach is one that focuses on having fun, playing musical games and developing good habits at the piano.
Practice Tips for Parents and Guardians of Young Learners
The excitement of a new adventure is enough to provide an ample supply of positive motivation for the first several weeks of the instrumental music experience. But once the initial enthusiasm wears off, it is important to start developing healthy practice habits that will guarantee a positive musical experience for your child. Your support and guidance are very important at this stage.
Here are a few tips:
Make practice time a daily routine. Sit down with your child and determine when is the best time to practise. It is important that you involve your child in this decision so as not to make him/her feel ‘forced to do it’. Making practice a planned part of your child’s day will help ensure that it happens.
Communicate with your child’s music teacher. Parents can attend a child’s first few music lessons. Knowing what is going on in the class will allow you to better help your young music student during practice. Afterwards, stay in touch with your child’s teacher and find out what areas your child needs to improve on so that you can implement these during their practice time at home.
Don’t make practice a chore. In the first year of study, don’t force practice. Instead offer encouragement and show that you’re interested in how your child is doing. When you’re folding laundry or doing paperwork, for example, have them perform a mini concert of songs they’re learning. Or get involved! Ask your child to teach you what they’ve learned in their lessons. Let them act as an expert. Some parents/ guardians like to set up a reward system for consistent practising. A sticker chart or weekly treat can work wonders in making practice something the child does voluntarily instead of by force. Above all, never make practice time a punishment!
Don’t make daily practice too long. For young children it is not advisable to make daily practice sessions longer than 15 minutes. Young children simply don’t have the patience to sit down and concentrate on learning a musical instrument for long periods, especially if they’re just beginning. On the other hand, if you see that your child is becoming more interested in learning their instrument, you can lengthen the practice time. But don’t make it so long that they become too tired and strained in the end. Don’t force it!
Listen to and encourage your child. Words of encouragement can go a long way when it comes to learning how to play a musical instrument. Compliment and praise your child’s progress. Don’t allow discouraging words – from parents, peers or older siblings – to dissuade your child.
Expose your child to music. This may be the most simple point but for sure has to be one of the most important - fostering a love for music that is inspirational and brings joy to the young musician’s life. Listen together to music you like. Point out music in the world around you. Take your child to concerts or to see live music. Point out the many hours it takes to become an accomplished musician, but also make sure you point out how far your child has already come with practice!