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Explanation
and Guidelines for Parents
In order for your child to progress satisfactorily with his
or her piano study it is absolutely essential that piano practice be treated in
the same way as schoolwork and homework: It is a task which must be performed on
a daily basis in order to master the material; it is not an occasional recreational
activity to be squeezed in sporadically or at odd moments.
Playing the piano is a highly complex mental and physical
skill involving feats of digital
gymnastics (roughly the equivalent of reading two different
sentences simultaneously, while writing one with each hand!) while processing elements of
mathematics and hieroglyphics; occasionally involving the use of the right foot
operating the pedal, and hopefully engaging the ears to listen for the effect.
While it doesn’t require hours of daily practice to develop
into a competent player it does require a regular commitment of time and
effort.
To help you help your child do his or her best I
am presenting you with a number of guidelines for practice. Although these don't guarantee miracles I feel confident that
improvement will become noticeable within a short time.
PRACTICE
GUIDELINES
1. How many days a week should students practice?
2. How can parents help their children succeed?
a. Be sure there is time in your child’s schedule for a
sufficient commitment to piano practice. If he or she is involved six days
a week in three different
sports it
is almost a “given” that piano
b. Provide
the best instrument you can afford and decide on a good location for it: not in
the center of traffic, but not in the far corner of the basement.
c.
Help your child establish a routine for piano practice:
1. after school, before dinner and homework.
2. before school (only if your child is an early riser)
d. Be aware of what is on your child’s assignment and check to make sure instructions are being carried out. (Your child may be playing the piano every day, but that does not necessarily mean he or she is practicing the assignment and/or following instructions.)
e. If your child is nine years of age or younger it is essential
for a parent to make a commitment to sit with him or her to supervise the
practice sessions.
f. Insist that your child practice every day. Don’t accept “I don’t want to!” or “It’s hard!” as reasons to opt out of practicing - any more than you would accept them as reasons to opt out of homework. Please phone or send me an email if you have questions about anything on the assignment.
g. Encourage his or her efforts. Make a point of saying you like what you’re hearing.
h.