HOWARD COUNTY PARENTS FOR SCHOOL MUSIC


 

HOWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM MUSIC PAGE


 

PRIVATE TEACHERS

 

You are the key to success!  Read this article to help you be informed and involved.

One of the greatest assets that a student musician has is a parent or guardian who is as interested in the student’s success as much as the student is. Although many parents are not interested in nagging their children to do what is required we know of no parents, for instance, who are not willing to make sure that their child gets to every soccer practice. Just as in recreational sports, your child knows what to do once they get to practice. All you need to do is make sure that they get there! Patience, Encouragement, Imagination, and Common Sense will help you to help your child do their best.
 

1.  Patience is repeatedly reminding your child to do their weekly practice. They are expected to practice 5 days each week, for 15 minutes. It is not unusual for your child to experience “slumps” in their practice routine. All of us have experienced times when we lack the self-discipline to do the things that need to be done. We need to be patient with ourselves and try to get back on track. One of the best lessons learning a musical instrument can teach is self-discipline. It takes time and encouragement.

2.  Encouragement when the going gets rough. In music, as in life, some things are learned easily, while others require intensive and repeated applications. Parental understanding is critical.

3.  Imagination is more important than knowledge” said Albert Einstein. Knowledge is just the transfer of information, but imagination creates things that had no prior existence. Be imaginative in creating a musical atmosphere in your home. Tune in to interesting musical programs on the stereo and TV, invite friends who play instruments into your home, have students perform for you, have them record themselves, in short, make your home a haven for the arts.

4.  Common Sense is often not so common. Avoid undue stress. A balanced schedule of interests into which music and its practice fit as a natural element will pay big personal dividends.


Practicing Conditions
As students advance in musical study, the regularity and quality of their practice increase in importance. This can be promoted if parents see that the students have favorable practice conditions. Information about private instruction is available by visiting the "MUSIC LINKS" page.
 

    • Schedule a regular time or times each day for practice.
    • A quiet place with good lighting and ventilation aids concentrated practice. A music stand is a necessity.
    • The instrument must be in first-rate mechanical condition. The higher the quality of the instrument (and bow, reeds, mouthpieces) the higher the possibility of quality sound.
    • Praise work well done. A congratulatory remark may be interjected during a practice session, or later, perhaps at mealtime.
    • Plan activities ahead, knowing that your child’s participation in rehearsals and concerts is not only required but, most importantly, is vital to the success of the entire ensemble. A performing group is a team and as such we must be able to rely upon the other members of our team.
    • Never use practicing as a punishment.

 

 


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