1. Celebrate their decision
to bring music into their
life and participate in a
school music program.
2. Read the literature
brought home from school and
determine what is required
to get started.
3. If there is an open house
or parent meeting, plan to
attend with your child.
4. Acquire a musical
instrument that is in proper
playing condition.
Investigate rent-to-own
programs.
5. Be sure your child has
any required method books or
learning materials prior to
the first day of class.
6. Provide a suitable time
and place for home practice.
Don't cast them out to the
garage!
7. Encourage and support
practice. That awful noise
will only turn into
beautiful music with
practice.
8. Develop a rapport with
the music educator. Ask for
their list of ways you can
help your child.
9. Get involved in booster
and fundraising
organizations. It's quality
time invested into a great
cause.
10. Be generous with your
acknowledgements of your
child's progress. Learning
to play isn't easy!
11. Don't rule out learning
to play, yourself. Music
making is an extremely
rewarding experience.
12. Record your child's home
practices on tape/cd. Listen
with them and praise their
improvements.
13. Enhance their interest
by purchasing
current/popular sheet music
at your local music store.
14. DO NOT, under any
circumstance, miss their
first public performance.
This is their big day.
15. Offer rewards for the
tough hurdles. Research
upgrade instruments when the
time is right.
16. If your child is
struggling, don't give up.
Seek the advice of the music
director and offer your
help.
17. Don't push from one
side, but rather support
from all angles. Rally the
entire family behind the
effort.
18. Keep the instrument in
good working order. An
instrument in disrepair
slows your child's progress
19. Be aware of school
budget hearings. Music
programs are usually the
first cut when cash gets
tight
20. Learning to play takes
patience, time and effort.
Progress can be slow, at
times, which can lead to
frustration and lost
interest. You have to
remember that we're
competing with computers,
video games, television,
sports and time with
friends. Neither your child
nor their teacher can do
this alone. They need your
support, encouragement and
participation. The rewards
are well worth your
investment of time &
finances. Get involved and
enjoy this time with your
child!