So, your child is starting lessons!
That is exciting! AND … there will be a big job for you. Maybe bigger than you expected.
It will also be more special than anything you could have imagined … for both you and your child!
Introduction to Being a Practice Parent
What to do in lessons, how to practice, and much more.
Parent Stories
Parents of high-achieving students share how they nurtured their children’s ability while fostering their love of music.
Challenging Moments
Pitfalls to avoid, breakdowns and breakthroughs, and how a snapped string inspired one one student’s change in heart.
Practice Games
Practice games can extend your child’s attention from 20 minutes to 45 minutes or more. Which games match your child’s temperament?
Busting the Discipline Myth
Discipline in learning a new skill should not be thought of an undesirable restraint on a child’s freedom. Rather, it is an inner quality which must be caringly taught and modeled by the parent, so that the child becomes capable of sustained effort and self-mastery.
Busting the Discipline Myth
Discipline in learning a new skill should not be thought of an undesirable restraint on a child’s freedom.
Rather, it is an inner quality which must be caringly taught and modeled by the parent, so that the child becomes capable of sustained effort and self-mastery.
While a good teacher will help make violin study enjoyable and approachable, it is not reasonable to expect that every violin practice will be a delight-filled discovery of music.
Because the physical and mental challenge of violin means that practicing often feels like a hard work. And children — like adults! — naturally prefer easy things to hard ones.
So. Be frank with your child in letting them know that practicing, like going to the gym, is work — although of course you will both strive to make it as enjoyable as possible.
Your child will be willing to work hard because they love and respect you. When you acknowledge their work, that honors their love and effort.
Why Practice Every Day?
- It tells the child that violin study is important – both in general, and to you.
- Your child will make good progress and see the results of their hard work. This will give them a positive feeling about practicing.
- Daily practice will become a routine for them. Their mind and body will adjust to this rhythm. This builds the foundation of mental and emotional discipline.
- You will adjust to this routine as well, so you both reinforce each other.
When you skip practice:
- It tells the child that practice is optional. As a result, they will only want to practice when they want to practice.
- It tells the child that studying violin is nice but not very important. They won’t be willing to work as hard and will progress more slowly.
- Whatever was learned the previous practice will erode during the days off. The child will conclude that practicing does not yield results. When they do practice from time to time, their heart will not be in it, because it seems pointless.
- You yourself will get out of the routine! Other things will begin to take the place of practice.
- Your child’s progress will be much slower; but they will not connect their average results to inconsistent practicing. Instead, when they hear their classmate who is much better than them, they will think that their friend simply “is” better.
- Instead of pride in their accomplishment, your child may experience a sense of disappointment. When they are grown, they may apologize, “I took lessons, but I never got very good.”
- They will not receive the awesome developmental benefit of playing an instrument beautifully and skillfully!!
