Kids who love piano

Here are some thoughts on helping your children succeed at piano/music lessons.

1. Be clear of your goals and communicate these with me.
2. Make sure you leave enough time in their weekly schedule to practice.  The amount of time needed depends on their level and goals.
3. Supervise and support your child’s practicing.  One of the most successful strategies is to cheerfully help your children complete their homework correctly.
4.  Take your children to concerts.  Southern Ontario has an embarrassment of riches available seven nights a week. Play good music around the house. Children love what they know.
5. I take requests!  I encourage all students to supplement their studies with pieces of their choice.  After all, for most students this is their primary goal.
6 Encourage your children to participate in recitals and exams. This is a positive experience for most students, though I caution to add, not everyone. We must use our good judgement.
7. Repetition is the mother of learning. Learning to play the piano is both an intellectual and athletic skill. It takes time to develop both.  Encourage your children to take the long-term patient approach.
8. Participate as a family in other artistic outings and activities: consider trips to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the opera, a jazz concert, a piano recital at McMaster University, a country and western show or Scottish tattoo at Copps Coliseum, the list goes on. If you attend church, synagogue, or mosque ask the musicians if your children may sit quietly with them while they work.

Cheers,

David