NW Pianoby Kathy Morrison, Director

Now that your student is enrolled for lessons, you want that musical learning experience to be amazing! Set your student up for success by setting their expectations. Here are a few tips to help.

  1. If you are new to classes or lessons at our school, take time to drive by the studio location and show your student the building. If your student needs more than a drive by, consider scheduling a time when one of our studio concierges can meet you and do a personalized tour. We like to think of it as another version of “walk your schedule” day at school. Just seeing a space and meeting a few people can help reassure a student about what to expect.
  2. Next, take a few moments to look up your teacher’s bio on our website and show them a picture of their teacher. If your student has specific things they want to know ahead of time about the teacher, then please email your teacher and start the dialogue. Likewise, if there are things that your student wants the teacher to know, invite them to write those things down on paper to share during the first lesson. We want students to feel like they have a voice. Use this as another opportunity to develop the skills and confidence to ask questions and speak out.
  3. Set the expectation that learning something new takes time and a commitment to go the distance. Some things will come quickly, while others will take time to sink in. Your student will be learning a new language – music – and developing muscle memory. It is very similar to learning a new sport. Desire, consistent practice, and determination are all critical to success. Combine these 3 things with a growth mind-set and learning will come along with a strong sense of accomplishment. The confidence your student will gain as a result is worth every moment of practice.
  4. Explain early and often that a consistent practice time is a priority. Just like a baseball team has practice every day after school, a music student needs the same kind of repetition and focus. Sit down together and talk about the best time of the day (before school, after school, after dinner, etc) for a practice session. If they are a part of the decision process, they are more likely to follow through. Like any new habit, it takes time for this daily practice to become part of the routine of life. Once it becomes routine, the resulting progress and musical enjoyment will come!
After you get settled into a routine with lessons and practice, then you can lean into things that interest your student.
If your student likes the spotlight, then help them learn more about the performance opportunities we offer. Please note: we do not require students to perform. However, we do encourage students to share their music and give it away as a gift to their family and friends.
If your student prefers the creative side of music, then encourage them to share that with their teacher. There are always opportunities to compose a song, create a new variation, or invite improvisation.
We look forward to partnering with you, the parents, to provide the best musical learning experience for your student because every student matters!