When children begin piano lessons both their parents and their teacher hold the hope that the child will develop a love of music. However, somewhere in the process despite a teacher’s attempts to provide motivating, age-appropriate materials some students quickly find piano lessons hard and begin to feel that they just don’t have what it takes to be good at music. And this is a devastating outcome for both the student and the teacher because the benefits of music lessons are wide-ranging and impact children positively both academically and socially.
Often the missing link between children feeling confident and successful in lessons and disheartened is the support of their parents. Learning the piano, in fact, learning any instrument takes time, dedication and lots of support. It is one of the most difficult yet rewarding things a child can do. Therefore, it is very important that parents become involved in the learning process. Here are four ways you can help your child to be successful in piano lessons.
1. Provide your child with the resources they need to succeed.
You will be surprised at how many parents do not buy their child even a cheap keyboard when they first begin piano lessons. Having access to the best quality instrument you can afford in a quiet inviting environment even before your child begins lessons critical to having a successful outcome for your child. Along with the instrument is ensuring that you provide your child with the music books that your child’s teacher suggests in a timely manner so that they can enjoy making music in lessons and at home.
2. Create an environment that will develop good practice habits
Before your child begins piano lessons make sure that you have the time to devote to helping your child practice at home. Ask yourself the following questions
- Does my child have time in their daily schedule to fit in 30 minutes of practice?
- Will I be available to my child should they need any help or company when they are practising?
- If my child is struggling with a piece of music do I feel confident to communicate to their teacher and ask for ways in which I can help them at home?
- Will I be able to help encourage your child to practice even on days they are feeling low on motivation?
3. Be your child’s support person
Learning to play the piano is both exciting and challenging, supporting your child when things are hard by listening to their struggles and helping them to find solutions demonstrates to them that you are there for them and that you value their musical journey. Celebrating their wins such as mastering a difficult piece of music, moving up method books or completing a graded examination helps your child to feel motivated in their practice sessions.
4. Attending your child’s piano concerts is a must
One of the most rewarding parts of learning an instrument is performing in front of others. Helping your child prepare for and attend their recitals is one of the most important jobs a piano parent has. It shows them that you prioritise their instrument learning and are eager to see them shine on stage. Your excitement about their recital will flow onto them as they prepare.
You may be surprised to learn that research is now showing that the biggest determining factor in the success of a piano student is the support that a parent gives to their child in the early stages of learning. As piano teachers we want your child to love learning the piano and at Hope Performing Arts Centre we have created programs that are child-centred, engaging and supportive of the parent’s role in their child’s musical development. With resources for parents like instructional videos for the first 5 lessons, and easy-to-understand method books that can be shared at home together, our lessons are designed to help your child succeed and develop their love of music.
Find out more about our piano lessons today by booking a complimentary first lesson with us today. Simply fill in the form below and we will be in contact with you soon.