Parents' Role - How you can help your student
learn?
1. Set a regular/routine practice schedule.
We recommend hooking practice to something you already do...like...come home from school,
eat a snack, practice, do homework...or eat dinner, practice....or in the morning (we love this) Get up, get dressed, eat
breakfast, practice.
2. Use of a timer (especially for young students).
Purchase a wind up kitchen timer and put it next to your student's practice area. Each time they sit down
to practice have them turn it to the desired minutes and voila! They practice till it goes off...then they are finished!
3. Check
in on your student's practicing. Create goals with your student. Perhaps a log in
book for them to sign/date as they practice; maybe a once a month you could reward if they've accomplished their goals for
practice. Trips to Border's music section or the local music store are great rewards! Also check your student's notebook so
you know what they are supposed to be practicing weekly. Something as simple as the student placing a check mark in their
notebook each time he/she practices an assignment is a great way to shape accountability.
4.
Arrive at your appropriate lesson time prepared. This means on time (early if you need
to unpack and tune) and with all of your books and supplies ready to go. Parents you may need to create a night-before-lessons
routine to insure everything arrives together on the lesson day. That's actually why we require the tote
bag....so that you guys can pack it all up (or leave it packed after each practice) so everything that we need is
at each lesson.
5. Encouragement.
This is the number one way to help your student! Think of ways that your student can play for you. Weekly
family dinners or concerts? Out of town guests arriving? Special parties? Church? Students need to not only practice, but
they need to be heard! Creating opportunites for praise is a wonderful way to help your student develop!
