The Teacher-Student Relationship

Parents, if you are new to working with a music teacher, here are some tips for you.

1) Let the teacher develop a relationship with your child. While it may be tempting to tell the teacher about your kiddo, let the connection evolve
2) Respecting and following the teacher’s suggestions are the order of the day. If you are questioning anything about the teaching, please give the teacher a call or e-mail so as to have a private conversation
3) Take the enthusiasm of the teacher home with you. Try to remember specific compliments that the teacher gave to your child during the lesson and reinforce those compliments at home
4) Keep the relationship between all three of you light. Laughter, humor, and creative guidance from both teacher and parent set the tone for a successful journey through the wonderful world of music

How Will I Know Which Instrument My Child Should Play?

Believe it or not, many children express a desire for playing a specific instrument early in their lives. Some of that desire comes from exposure to musical instruments from listening at home, preschool music classes, and concerts that they have attended. If your child starts talking and showing excitement at learning a particular instrument,(i.e. harp, guitar, violin, piano)please believe that specific instrument is probably “the one” for them.

Of course, not all children know what instrument they would care to play so it’s always a good idea in those cases to start with the basics. Piano and singing are very good instruments to learn before branching out to other instruments later.