The Parent’s Simple Guide to Starting Children in Music

To help your child down the path of becoming a life-long music maker, simply think of a three-legged stool. Remove one leg from the stool and it tips over. And just like that stool, there are three things every student needs to be successful; committed parents, a good teacher, and a good piano.

Committed, Connected Parents

While their role is often underestimated, parents make or break the musical experience. There are a few simple things parents can do on a daily basis to promote the importance of piano lessons.

First, set a regular practice time. Just like dinner, homework, and baths, piano practice should happen around the same time every day. Child development experts report that the happiest children are those who have a regular routine. Be consistent about practicing from day one and your child will get used to the schedule after just a few weeks.

Second, practice times instead of time. Setting practice sessions based on “how many minutes” only gets students watching the clock; playing toward a goal gets them focused on their music. A realistic expectation is to practice each song 3-5 times every day. Just like dinner, homework and baths, practice is done when it’s done, regardless of time.

Third, encourage your child. Even today, parents remain their child’s main influence. A few words of praise after every practice session will increase your child’s desire to make music… and make you proud. Finally, have face time with the teacher every week. Spending two minutes talking with the teacher after each lesson reaps huge benefits. During these short conversations, you will find out how the lesson went and where help may be needed. This also sends a clear message to your child that you take their piano lessons seriously.

A Good Teacher

Your child’s first experience with music will likely be the most lasting. While referral services and suggestions from friends can point you toward people who teach, you will need to dig a little deeper to find the right teacher for your child. Just as you set high expectations for your children, you should set high expectations for their teachers. Interview at least two or three teachers to find one who demonstrates a commitment to teaching, is well organized and has a good piano.

Remember – you know your child better than anyone. If they have any special needs, ask potential teachers if they have worked with other students with similar needs. Ask the teacher to describe the specific traits their best students have, then decide if they are a match for your child. Asking these Seven Key Questions will help you quickly gain insight into each teacher’s strengths, weaknesses and style.

1. Why did you decide to become a teacher?
2. How do you go about setting goals and measuring progress?
3. Tell me about your most challenging student.
4. How do you communicate with parents?
5. What can you tell me about your student recitals?
6. How old are the pianos in your studio?
7. How often do you have your pianos tuned?

Remember, the goal is not to get ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers, but to quickly learn enough about each teacher to find the best fit for your child.

A Good Piano

The piano is where the ‘rubber meets the road’ for a student. The abilities of the piano itself vary depending on how well it was built, how old it is and how it is maintained. The best piano will be one that your child will grow ‘into’ instead of ‘out of.’

The easiest and most cost-effective way to find a good piano is to visit your local piano dealer and work directly with the owner if possible. They will want to spend about ten minutes talking with you to get a good idea of your needs. With the help of this expert, you should be able to find a great piano in your price range in an hour or so.

A new, well-built piano – whether acoustic or digital – is always the best option for any student. Nearly 100% of students who start out with a good piano continue to take lessons into high school.

Some used pianos can be appropriate for beginning students, but great care should be taken to make sure the piano still has enough life left to inspire your student.

Parents build the environment for practice, teachers provide the instruction and the piano rewards the player. By building a sturdy stool, you can make your child’s musical journey a fun, rewarding and lifelong experience.