Read Your Child's Notebook
The notebook will include the student's weekly assignment. Please make sure that all written and on-line assignments are complete, and all the pieces have been practised. In addition to pieces, you may find all or some of these other items listed as part of the assignment:
Technique (pentascales, scales, triads etc.)
Written theory assignment
On-line theory and listening assignment
Sight reading
Ear training
Enforce a Daily Practise Time Length
Monitor the student's length of time they practise. I will advise you at the beginning of the year how long each student should practise for daily. Parents will need to sit with younger students and help them practise.
Use Rewards
Many parents set up a practise chart and put a sticker for each day that the practise requirements are met. Some parents choose to provide rewards (a cookie, a trip to the park, a toy...whatever works) for certain accomplishments (6 weeks of daily practise, memorizing a piece of music etc.)
Give Praise and Encourage Performance
Kids thrive on attention, and the more you praise their accomplishments, the more your child will be excited about their piano skills, and be even more motivated to practise. Students benefit from performing for family and friends to help solidify their sense of achievement. The thrill of performing for an audience and hearing praise can be especially motivating.
Remind Students of Their Favourite Pieces
Most students have favourite pieces that they continually go back to because they are personally rewarding and enjoyable. Remind your child that new pieces might be challenging, but all their favourite pieces started out difficult. With hard work, they will soon be playing those new pieces with the same joy and enthusiasm.
The notebook will include the student's weekly assignment. Please make sure that all written and on-line assignments are complete, and all the pieces have been practised. In addition to pieces, you may find all or some of these other items listed as part of the assignment:
Technique (pentascales, scales, triads etc.)
Written theory assignment
On-line theory and listening assignment
Sight reading
Ear training
Enforce a Daily Practise Time Length
Monitor the student's length of time they practise. I will advise you at the beginning of the year how long each student should practise for daily. Parents will need to sit with younger students and help them practise.
Use Rewards
Many parents set up a practise chart and put a sticker for each day that the practise requirements are met. Some parents choose to provide rewards (a cookie, a trip to the park, a toy...whatever works) for certain accomplishments (6 weeks of daily practise, memorizing a piece of music etc.)
Give Praise and Encourage Performance
Kids thrive on attention, and the more you praise their accomplishments, the more your child will be excited about their piano skills, and be even more motivated to practise. Students benefit from performing for family and friends to help solidify their sense of achievement. The thrill of performing for an audience and hearing praise can be especially motivating.
Remind Students of Their Favourite Pieces
Most students have favourite pieces that they continually go back to because they are personally rewarding and enjoyable. Remind your child that new pieces might be challenging, but all their favourite pieces started out difficult. With hard work, they will soon be playing those new pieces with the same joy and enthusiasm.