School is beginning, and everyone is busy with the end of summer vacations and fun in the sun.
You may be wondering what time of year is appropriate for you child to begin private lessons!
Here is my advise:
1. Determine what is best for YOUR child.
You know better than anyone: how they work, and what
personality and learning styles may be best for your child.
A good teacher can help guide you by giving
you the questions and options to consider.
2. While you may be anxious for your child to begin all of their
"extracurricular" activities at the
beginning of school...I find it helpful to wait...just a little bit.
Wait a week or two for the excitement
and exhaustion to calm down a bit before adding a new activity.
Teachers are often overwhelmed,
busy, and slightly tired around this time of year also!
It's also fine to start in the middle of the year,
summer, in the middle of a semester...My point is,
remember when your child is already stressed, avoid
beginning too many activities at once, and
make the decision that is best for your child.
3. Find the teacher that best fits your child.
We all have different personalities, including teachers!
Some teachers prefer a set schedule, order of
activities, etc...Some children need more humor, more
creativity, more structure, a quiet environment,
an active environment with breaks, etc...
A GREAT teacher will indeed help tailor the lessons to work for your
child, you as a parent, and he/she will find the
best methods for your child's personality and learning style.
(More to come on learning styles. This is ONE of my passions!)
4. Let your child lead you, within reason.
Children often know if they are drawn to the piano, flute, like to
sing, want to learn a stringed instrument, and so on.
Ask them what they like and discuss the possibilities.
(A trip to the orchestra/band/local concerts help with this also!)
Explain, at each child's level, that they may try an instrument,
and that it will be fun and exciting to learn
something new! It also takes commitment, but discuss this
in a means that is appropriate to your child's
age/development. For example, "When you begin your piano
lessons, Miss Jones will expect you and I to
work together on your practice. We will work on fun activities,
you'll learn to play pieces/sing songs, and
we'll do this a little everyday." I find many children like
knowing what will come with lessons and practice,
and making it a "team" effort with Mom/Dad/Grandma/
Grandpa/Aunt/Uncle will only encourage and aid
in the process of learning and commitment.
5. Give yourself and your child time to get used to the schedule
and style of a teacher when you first begin.
I ENCOURAGE parents of younger students to sit in
on the lessons. Remember, your interest and aid
is crucial in your child's success. Music requires practice,
and the teacher cannot be there in your home during the
week in between lessons. Take initiative, utilize the
teacher's knowledge and help, and get involved in
your child's lessons (listening so as to know how to help at home),
asking questions at the end of lessons
to take the concepts along with you for the week!
I like to involve parents when playing musical games in
lessons too, it makes it fun for everyone.
Just as a side note, older students sometimes prefer to have the
one-on-one relationship with their teacher without the parent(s)
in their lessons. This is fine too, but don't
hesitate to pop in and listen for a few minutes, perhaps when
rehearsing for a concert or other
performance. Also, don't feel as though you cannot call the
teacher to check-in or ask questions at the end of the
lessons, no matter now much a teenager rolls his/her eyes:).
It's still great to keep in contact and
know how your child is progressing.
6. Other things to consider: What lesson time is best?
Perhaps not immediately before or after
dinner...hunger makes it difficult to concentrate,
as does a full belly! Is your child tired after school?
Maybe a break in between school and lessons would be good?
Set your child up for success!!
Don't be afraid to try something new! Private lessons can be
interesting, fun, exciting, and you will learn a great deal if
you utilize your teacher's expertise. Good luck!
