Piano with Ms. V

Monday, August 14, 2017 by Sue Vinsant | Hints for Parents

Parent’s Guide to Piano Practice

Even parents who never learned piano themselves can help their children practice. One of the biggest ways a parent can help is by establishing a practice routine, right from the start. Most children need reminders to practice, and help following the teacher’s instructions. Follow the guidelines below and your child will make great progress and feel confident playing the piano.

1. Practice should happen at the same time every day whenever possible.

Choose a time that you are able to stick to. This could be before school in the morning, after school, after homework is  finished, just before dinner; any time that you can be consistent about.

2. Have your student practice the pieces assigned.

Setting a certain amount of time for practice is not ideal.  It often depends on the number and difficulty of the pieces assigned. Make sure the student practices all the assignments.  If this takes only 5 minutes that’s fine, if it takes 20 minutes that’s fine, too.  10 minutes is usually an ideal amount of time.  Be sure to log it in the Student Practice Log, so that they can be recognized at their lesson!

3. Try to encourage slow practice.

Whenever possible, and especially in the beginning few weeks, try to sit with your child and encourage them not to rush. You could also try tapping or clapping a steady beat while you’re child is playing to help them hear the pulse.

4. Be their student.

Get them to explain to you what they’re working on, how they know what to play etc. Try pointing to symbols and asking them what they mean. This will not only help you to know what’s going on, but will reinforce their knowledge.

5. Be positive!

Most importantly, let your child know how much you love hearing them play! This is by far the best way to encourage long term practice. (If they’re doing really well with a piece, it’s a great idea to arrange a mini-concert, gather round the family so they can show off all their hard work!)

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Tuesday, July 18, 2017 by Sue Vinsant | Hints for Parents

HOW LONG SHOULD I PRACTICE:

The times listed below are based on the average concentration span for a given age or skill level. Also, this time can be broken down into two or three sessions if the child is having difficulty with concentration. Practicing at least five days a week should be the goal.

Age 6 and under or beginner: 10-15 minutes daily
Age 7-8 or beginner: 15-20 minutes daily
Age 9-10 early intermediate: 20-30 minutes daily
Age 11-12 or intermediate: 30-45 minutes daily
Over 12 or late intermediate: 45-60 minutes daily

Remember, success with an instrument isn't based on "natural ability", it really boils down to putting in the time:

5 Days = Steady Progress
4 Days = Mostly Treading Water
3 Days and under = Grab the Life Preserver!

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Tuesday, July 18, 2017 by Sue Vinsant | Hints for Parents

SOME GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS:

* Set a regular practice time at least 5 days a week and remind your child to practice.  I have found that often the best time to practice is as soon as you get up--before you start your day!  That way if something comes up later in the day...you don't have to worry about doing it because practice has already happened!

* Keep the piano in good working order and in tune. If you need the name and phone number of a technician, let me know.

* Provide a practice environment free from distractions.

* Listen to your child play. Keep your comments positive and encouraging.

* Call me when you need help.

So how do your throw your child a musical life preserver?

It seems obvious but it all starts with scheduling practice as part of your weekly routine. You can help your child schedule practice by sitting down together and reviewing all their weekly activities. Your child will probably have ideas on exactly when during the day they'd like to practice - this is terrific - they are already taking ownership in the new practice plan.

Encourage them by making this commitment as important as their other scheduled events - write it on your family calendar, electronic or otherwise. Honor the time they've chosen and if something unavoidable comes up help them reschedule quickly. Let them know how much you admire their determination to figure out how to make their five day commitment.

You can help them establish their new routine by setting up a weekly or monthly reward system. The good news on reward systems is that because the success of musical progress itself becomes a reward, you won't need a reward system forever, but that's for another post.

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