There is no shame if a parent has no background in music and if he/she hasn’t been around musical instrument in their entire lives. Even then you can have your child learn a musical instrument and can be a good support to him/her in all manners. Engaging with your child as your kid is learning to play a beautiful instrument such as piano needs no technical knowledge what so ever but your kid only needs your support and encouragement that makes way for building strong learning fundamentals. Many of the parents may not be aware of important of involvement in lessons and may be taking their kids for granted by depending entirely on the piano instructor. Here we have outlined all the tips that would make you a positive part of your child’s regular piano practice sessions.
Check Readiness before your child begins to take piano lessons:
This is extremely important. Do not force your child until he is ready and willing to learn piano. Readiness cannot be truly judged with the age of a child however you need to assess if your child has below mentioned basic knowledge that would make way for learning piano. All the kids are different and thus must be assessed individually.
- Check reading and writing abilities of your child.
- Check if your child knows letters of the alphabets from A to G which is crucial for building base of music.
- Your child must be able to count well and know basic mathematics such as add, subtract.
- Your child must be able to analyze beats and length of notes.
- Assess if your child is emotionally ready for lessons.
An angry mood, frustration, boredom and distracted attention would only waste time of child along with instructor. Learning piano would need complete attention and patience. Make sure that your child is able to follow instructions well and all these factors would result in a successful piano lesson.
Tips for Parents for being supportive in child’s piano learning:
We will be sharing most basic tips that you will be able to easily adopt and carry along in your everyday routine. You don’t need to learn this instrument yourself in order to prove a good support but doing simple things that require your presence only would give your child confidence and enthusiasm for productive learning.
Plan everyday practice schedule for your child:
Your child must have a proper schedule for practicing what he has learnt and daily practice would surely give you good results. Set a proper practice schedule for the week by coordinating with other members of the family. The time should be such that there may be no distractions or interruptions so that your child can focus completely on practice. It is best to have piano for your kid in the house placed at some place away from distractions like TV, Computer etc. Give them a peaceful environment with good lighting.
Appreciate music in the house:
Home is the first school for your child and thus he learns a lot from his environment. If you wish that your child learns piano well, make sure that music is well-appreciated by you and within your family. An excellent way of doing so is to have a personal CD collection of music and listen to them with your child. You can even have some musical literacy books in the house. Different varieties of musical guides are available in market and you can get suggestions of your child’s piano teacher in order to get suitable ones for your child.
Accompany your child in piano lessons whenever possible:
Whenever possible sit and observe your child’s piano lessons and practices. You should observe how the teacher is working with your child’s piano lessons and his teaching methodology. Discuss if you find something inappropriate or give suggestions as no one understands your child better than you yourself.
Communicate and keep in touch with instructor:
Do not hesitate in contacting or asking questions to the instructor about your child’s lessons. They will surely encourage feedback and will give you fruitful advice and tips.
Attend recitals where your child is participating:
Attending recitals would not be a great motivation for your child but you yourself would feel great. In recitals they get a chance to hear other pianists of advance level and they will be able to learn more. Be confident and you will be building confidence in your child in a musical environment.
Give your child complete emotional support, listen to them and appreciate:
Appreciation is the biggest encouragement and source for motivation. During the beginning lessons, your child is bound to make mistakes and there is tendency that he/she may get frustrated, distracted or bored. Here you have to play your role. Ask your child to play for you, listen carefully and appreciate positive aspects. Don’t overdo. Provide them opportunities to play for others such as in a small family gathering, among friends etc. If your child is not willing to play, do not force them to do so. Appreciate your child for taking out time for daily practice and give them complete moral support. This would not only help them in their piano practices but will also develop their character.
Do not be hurried for results:
Learning piano is not a task that your child can accomplish in days or weeks. It would take him some months to get a complete grasp on basics. Learning piano would surely take some years and give your child at least a time of 3 years of continuous learning and then you will be able to see a good musical skill gain. Always be realistic.
Conclusion
Not all the parents in this world are musicians however you can be a good moral support for your child learning to play any instrument. Learning music is something that your child will treasure for his/her whole life and they will appreciate your support for this cause. Being a good support for your child and by being actively engaged in their learning will enable your kid to be motivated, more confident and you will witness substantial growth in their piano playing skills.
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