A Parent's Guide to Music Lessons: Your Role

You play an important role in your child's musical development, and it's important for you to stay involved after setting lessons up! Even if you don't have any musical abilities or experience, there are several things that you can do to increase your child's success.
Begin by making practice a part of your daily routine. Perhaps the best time for your child to practice is after dinner, or maybe right before bed. Whatever the case may be, but it on the calendar and stick with it! While they practice, listen and applaud their accomplishments and provide encouragement as they struggle through difficult concepts.
Remember that practice doesn't have to be boring - you can mix things up once in a while! Once a week, you might try asking your child to play a "concert" of their favorite pieces. Gather the family around as an audience, or (better yet) as fellow performers! Write songs together, or simply perform for each other. Can't play an instrument? No problem - let your child teach you! Sit down with them and ask them to teach you what they are learning. Be sure to make plenty of silly mistakes for them to correct!
Keep in communication with your child's teacher. Observe what your child is learning, and check in with the teacher on occasion to see how your child is progress. Follow up on their goals for the lessons. Additionally, if you notice that your child is struggling with a concept during the week, don't hesitate to help your child call or e-mail the teacher for advice! Many teachers would rather help their students between lessons than delay progress.
The best thing you can do for your child, though, is to let them see you enjoying music. Take them to concerts and musicals, listen to a variety of music, and sing loudly with the radio - even if you think you can't sing! Make music a part of your everyday life.
If your child is in music lessons, how do you stay involved? Leave a comment and let us know!