Curious about how to better support your child's music lessons? Many parents feel unsure about how to help their children’s music development, especially if they aren’t musicians themselves. Luckily, there are a few simple tips you can implement to make a huge impact.
From assisting with establishing a home practice routine to celebrating small wins, this post will equip you with actionable strategies to keep your child's passion for music alive and well.
Note: I write to you both as a piano teacher and a mother of six. I know how overwhelming it can feel to try to keep tabs on all of your children’s activities! I’m right there with you. As you read this article, remember to give yourself grace and see what small shifts you can make to enhance your support for your child’s music lesson.
Understanding Your Role as a “Piano Parent”
Embracing the role of being a “piano parent” means more than just paying the monthly tuition or attending the end-of-year recital. Your role is to provide them with all the necessary tools and support so they can blossom as musicians and shine! Remember, learning an instrument is not just a technical pursuit, but part of growing into a well-balanced human with their musical skills, emotional resilience, and time-management skills.
Encouragement and Motivation
How do you cheer on a budding musician? Simple words of encouragement can work wonders. We all need a little support and encouragement as we try new things! Remember to cushion your efforts to support them with plenty of praise! Celebrate the small victories with your child (ex. each learned song) while also helping them develop the habits and rituals that create fine musicians and lovers of the arts.
Setting a Routine
Apart from ensuring your child regularly attends their music lessons, assist in establishing a consistent practice schedule. As challenging as it can be to fit in daily practice along with homework, extra-curricular activities, and other family events, the dividends of regular home practice pay off! Unlike sports, where the child practices on a schedule outside of the home with a team, youth musicians practice at home and usually alone. That’s why you must help your child develop a habit of practicing their instrument often and with friendly encouragement and support.
Here are a few tips to establish a daily routine of practicing:
Try scheduling each practice session as if it is an appointment on the calendar not to be skipped.
Tie practicing to a specific event that always happens in the day, ex, first thing when they come home from school, after their afternoon snack, or after dinner.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Your Child's Music Lessons
Creating a supportive environment for musical exploration and growth is more than a few words of encouragement or consistent practice time. If you are intentional, you can create a home atmosphere that fosters musical exploration and growth.
Incorporate Music in Daily Life
Incorporate music into your family’s daily life. Play background music during dinners or have impromptu family concerts and dance parties. Attend live performances together to immerse your child in the world of music. Not sure where to find live performances? Get creative! You don’t have to be near a big city to experience live music. For example, in the summer, many towns hold free outdoor concerts with small local bands or solo musicians. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you’ll find them!
Create a Positive Practice Environment
Help your student get into a practicing mood by providing a dedicated space to practice their instrument. It might be a corner in a basement, their room, or a location in the shared family spaces. Keep access to their instrument and music ready and easily accessible so getting to the instrument itself doesn’t become a barrier to practicing. Finally, help create a quiet environment during their practice sessions so they can remain focused while they hone their craft and don’t feel like they are missing out on the “fun” elsewhere in the home.
At Home Performances
Have your child “perform” for you regularly, perhaps once a week. If your child is younger, sit with them during each practice session and guide them through their practice session so they know what and how to practice. If they can practicing independently, occasionally observe your child's practice and look out for basic technical development. For pianists, look for how closely they are sitting to the piano, if they are playing on the tips of their fingers, how they are using their wrists, etc. (For years, all my mother had to do was say “Curve your fingers” as she walked by when I was practicing. I sure did need the reminder!)
Communicating with Teachers About Child's Music Lessons
Keeping an open dialogue with your child's music teacher creates a collaborative atmosphere. You're not merely a spectator but an active participant in their learning journey, helping to fine-tune their progress and achievements.
Know What Your Child Is Studying
Post-lesson, ask your child what they've learned during their lesson, helping reinforce their new knowledge. Ask your child what music they are working on so you can make sure that’s what you are hearing them play when they practice!
Check-in with any lesson notes the teacher has provided through a physical or digital lesson notebook (my students use Practice Space). You might find nuggets of information there that your child hasn’t shared.
Feedback and Progress Tracking
Staying connected with the teacher is vital. Regular check-ins on your child's progress uncover areas needing more attention. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to the teacher and ask away! Most teachers are thrilled to help parents support their students! As a piano teacher, I provide multiple progress reports a year as an additional touchpoint for parents. My email and phone number is also always available to parents at all times.
Encouraging Independence and Exploration
While guidance is essential, fostering independence allows your child to take charge of their learning journey. Encourage them to explore and express themselves through music.
Encouraging Self-Expression Outside Your Child's Music Lessons
Allow your child to choose pieces of music they feel drawn to. This personal choice can enhance their love and enthusiasm for playing. Encouraging self-expression leads to a deeper connection with the music. It’s okay if this music is explored outside of piano lessons or as part of their lessons. Most teachers are open to helping their students learn music outside of their standard curriculum. Just ask!
Exploring Different Genres and Styles
Expose your child to different musical tastes to foster diversity in their musical palette. Whether it's jazz, classical, or pop, each genre offers unique lessons and joys. This tip ties back into creating a musical atmosphere in your home. Who knows, maybe you will discover a new favorite artist or genre as you explore together!
The Parent’s Role is Pivotal
Your role as a piano parent is pivotal in helping your child develop musically. Learning an instrument can often be an isolating activity (especially practicing). By offering encouragement, setting routines, creating an atmosphere conducive to practicing, incorporating music into the family, maintaining open communication with your child’s teacher, and giving your child freedom to explore their own musical interests, you create a home environment for musical and personal growth. And who knows, maybe you will begin to explore your musically creative side as well!
If you are looking for a piano teacher for your child, I have a few spots remaining in my schedule..
It is my true delight to bring the joy of music into hearts and homes through personalized remote piano lessons that help students blossom and grow as musicians and indivituals
The process is simple:
1. Schedule a call to talk about your goals.
2. Select a lesson time.
3. Take your first lesson!
If you are looking for more specific practice tips, check out the following resources:
FREE Practice Guide: Questions to Ask While Practicing for Busy Musicians (Get the most out of every minute you spend practicing)
eBook: Practice Sessions with a Punch: Thirteen Proven Techniques to Optimize Your Practice Time, Improve Your Playing, and Reach your Musical Goals
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