| Dear Parents: While working on my Thesis over 15 years ago, I remember running across a study that found that found many successful Concert Pianists had a loving, nurturing, and understanding teacher in their early years. In my own experience over the years I've found that when the following ingredients are present, students (of any instrument) not only learn to read and play, but often go on to play for the rest of their lives (many going into music as a career). Here are the basic ingredients: 1. Loving, supportive family (not necessarily a musical one!). 2. Patient, caring, understanding teacher. 3. Regular attendance to the class. Those that miss a lesson here and there on a regular basis, generally don't last past a couple of years. Students really need that consistency, even if they didn't practice. In fact, coming when they haven't practiced is good for them because the need for practicing is reinforced! Other problems with irregular attendance: 1. Material that was misunderstood or practiced incorrectly was then practice wrong for more than a week. 2. When students know they have "another week" they think they have plenty of time to practice, and usually end up practicing a lot less. 3. Due to the above, the previous lesson usually has to be repeated. The student gets tired of playing the same material! 4. Those in a class fall behind the class and don't feel like they fit in. (Makeup lessons help solve these problems so be sure to schedule a makeup if you absolutely have to miss the lesson!) 4. Practicing every day (of course!) The goal is for them to initiate practice by themselves. But most kids need to be gently reminded. When they go through a period of time where they seem to be losing interest, or it's difficult for them to give up time to practice, successful parents find positive incentives can work to get their kids back on track. 5. Material that is fun and known to the student. As soon as they start reading the music, we give them pieces that they know. After all, music is suppose to be enjoyable! For instance in the KinderKeys class one of the first songs they can play is Jingle Bells. In older classes they get things like Ode To Joy (Actually KinderKeys kids are also reading Ode to Joy within about 6 months....reading the notes!). The students that do well are the ones that work hard. It does not matter how fast or slow they are at learning or even how "musical" they are!!! I've had students that had all kinds of musical ability and wanted to play, but because it came easily to them, they didn't get into a practice habit. The most important thing you can do in those first few weeks is have your child establish a practice habit! I have students that were slow learners but established a practice habit early on. As older musicians they are quite profient and musical! What a great way to teach your kids a work ethic at the same time you give them the gift of music... For Life! Sincerely, Theresa Villec |
| Ingredients for a Successful Music Student |