Practice Guidelines
Expectations for Students:
I would like to emphasize that quality and consistency is more important than quantity of time. If a student crams all their practice time into one day, they are not going to make much progress. Instead, consistent, daily practice is essential to progressing. I am very specific in writing down instructions for each student on what they are to practice each week. In addition to noting the page numbers and if the page is a review or new, I also write notes to the student on what specific things to work on for each song. It is essential that the student read their assignment book each day while practicing in order to practice in the proper manner. Merely quickly running through a song is not enough. Each song should be played multiple times a day and extra time spent on the 'trouble spots' of that song. I teach students good practice methods during the lessons that will help them throughout the week. Students are required to write down their practice time each day and parents are to sign off on their child's practice log every week before the lesson.
Guideline for practice times:
- Grades K-2: 15 minutes each day
- Grades 3-5: 20 minutes each day
- Grades 6 and up: 30+ minutes each day
Expectations for Parents
The success of a young piano student is directly proportional to parental involvement in the learning process. Regardless of musical background, every parent can work with the teacher to make piano lessons a positive experience. Here are some suggestions:
- Make sure that your child has all of their music for each piano lesson.
- Express enthusiasm for your child’s accomplishment. This provides strong incentive for him or her to continue making progress.
- Review the lesson assignment weekly with your child.
- Be an audience at least once a week to show your continued interest in his/her improvement. Your interest in their playing will motivate them to practice regularly.
- Support the program set forth by the teacher by participating in recitals and other learning opportunities.
- Establish a definite schedule for practicing. Unless practice time is given a high priority, it probably will not be done. Each child is asked to record their practice time and to have a parent sign their practice log each week.
- Maximize your child’s success by making sure they have a properly tuned instrument. Keyboards are acceptable for the first lesson book, but a piano is needed for the following books. Pianos are necessary for students to be able to access all 88 keys and the pedals of the piano, develop finger strength, have proper posture, and build a solid technique.
- Please feel free to ask me questions you might have on your students songs or practice. I would love to help you help them. If you would like to sit in on lessons occasionally to be able to better understand what your child is learning, you are more than welcome to do so.