Practicing
Regular and thoughtful practice is an absolutely essential part of musical study. A student that attends a lesson or rehearsal without having put in practice time is unable to take full advantage of the learning that happens during that time. It is essential to set up a good quality practice routine and then to follow it as strictly as possible.
Establishing a Routine...
The first step is to establish a routine that works for your child. For example, a half hour session every weeknight just before dinner could be an easy way to develop a routine. Once you establish a routine, try not to break it. Discuss with your teacher how much practice time your child needs. Generally it’s a good idea to set a ballpark estimate of practice time, but bear in mind that ultimately productivity is more important than minutes.
Pick a Place
Students need a quiet space to practice...a space that is free of outside noise and distraction. Make sure your child is set up properly with supplies (a good chair, music stand, music, pencils etc.)
Set Goals
Setting goals for each practice session is one of the best ways to keep students focused and motivated. During lessons each week we carefully discuss and record our assignments and expectations for the following week. Talk about these assignments with your child. Ask questions...why does your teacher want you to work on this part? What makes this difficult? What specifically do you need to improve here? etc.
Have a Weekly Concert
Students are motivated by performance. Give your child the opportunity to perform for you at least once a week. This will give you the opportunity to closely hear the progress your child makes from week to week. It's also a great time to offer praise, rewards, and constructive thoughts for improvement.
Exposeure to live music...
Finally, expose your family to live classical and jazz music whenever possible. Our community is situated less than one hour away from New York City and Philadelphia, and just 15 minutes from Princeton. In any given week there is a diverse offering of musical performances available for the listening. Within New Jersey, performances are consistently offered through universities and community programs. Find a concert that features your child’s instrument. Hearing a professional player perform live can be a tremendous inspiration to young musicians. Often the experience can help open their eyes and ears to future possibilities, as well as motivate them to continue their own study.
Establishing a Routine...
The first step is to establish a routine that works for your child. For example, a half hour session every weeknight just before dinner could be an easy way to develop a routine. Once you establish a routine, try not to break it. Discuss with your teacher how much practice time your child needs. Generally it’s a good idea to set a ballpark estimate of practice time, but bear in mind that ultimately productivity is more important than minutes.
Pick a Place
Students need a quiet space to practice...a space that is free of outside noise and distraction. Make sure your child is set up properly with supplies (a good chair, music stand, music, pencils etc.)
Set Goals
Setting goals for each practice session is one of the best ways to keep students focused and motivated. During lessons each week we carefully discuss and record our assignments and expectations for the following week. Talk about these assignments with your child. Ask questions...why does your teacher want you to work on this part? What makes this difficult? What specifically do you need to improve here? etc.
Have a Weekly Concert
Students are motivated by performance. Give your child the opportunity to perform for you at least once a week. This will give you the opportunity to closely hear the progress your child makes from week to week. It's also a great time to offer praise, rewards, and constructive thoughts for improvement.
Exposeure to live music...
Finally, expose your family to live classical and jazz music whenever possible. Our community is situated less than one hour away from New York City and Philadelphia, and just 15 minutes from Princeton. In any given week there is a diverse offering of musical performances available for the listening. Within New Jersey, performances are consistently offered through universities and community programs. Find a concert that features your child’s instrument. Hearing a professional player perform live can be a tremendous inspiration to young musicians. Often the experience can help open their eyes and ears to future possibilities, as well as motivate them to continue their own study.