How to Enjoy a Concert with Your Child

Taking your child to a concert is a wonderful way for them to develop an appreciation for classical music. The excitement of watching a full orchestra perform is an experience a child will not soon forget. A live performance of classical music has a special richness that will leave you and your child feeling inspired. Attending a classical concert will give your child a link to the timeless past of the great composers.

Here are a few tips that may help you and your child have an enjoyable experience at a concert:

• Learn about the composer's life and what experiences influenced his music (An excellent resource is "Pianomouse Meets the Great Composers" CD-ROM).
• Listen to selections of the composer's music.
• Arrive early so that your child can enjoy the pre-concert atmosphere.
• Be seated in time for the orchestra to tune. This is always fun to hear.
• Discuss with your child, prior to the concert, the role of the conductor and the different families of the orchestra.
• The more the child knows, the more he/she will enjoy the music. Hear the Music! See the Music! Feel the Music!

Email: Kathleen@pianomouse.com

The Do's and Don't's of Music

Do's In Music:

• DO try to attend every lesson. Your child needs the consistency and inspiration of the teacher every week to maintain interest and progress.
• DO see that your child arrives on time for his lesson.
• DO see that your child has brought all of his books to the lesson. If the child has prepared all week and has forgotten his books, he will be frustrated and also the teacher.
• DO encourage your child to play for family and friends. This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to build confidence and self-esteem.
• DO keep your piano tuned. The piano is an instrument, not just a piece of furniture.
• DO communicate with your teacher. It is very important that your teacher is aware of your child's attitude and practice habits.

Don't's in Music

• DON'T give your child music lessons if he/she is already enrolled in numerous extra-curricular activities. Over extending the child will put pressure on him /her and take away the enjoyment of music lessons.
• DON'T take music lessons from the teacher down the street with the idea that you can switch to a real teacher later. Choose the best teacher, from the very beginning.
• DON'T expect your child to want to practice everyday. Months of interest and enthusiasm can be followed by periods of disinterest. Remember that learning to play an instrument is a discipline. Anything worthwhile takes commitment.
• DON'T allow your child to miss a lesson because he/she has not practiced. This is the child who is most in need of a lesson.
• DON'T forget to phone your teacher if your child will miss his/her lesson. This is a courtesy that should never be forgotten.

Email: Kathleen@pianomouse.com

What is the right age for my child to start learning an instrument?

The answer must directly relate to your child's physical, emotional, and mental development. One child may be ready at the age of 6, where another child is ready at the age of 8 or 9. Often parent's intuition about the right time can be significant in making the right decision. Deciding the right moment is not simply the right age, but the overall development of the child. Beginning too young can often lead to frustration and failure. In general, I would recommend beginning music lessons no earlier than 61/2 years old. At this young age, parent participation on a daily basis is mandatory. Reading skills and the ability to focus for a short amount of time is also a good indicator of readiness. Naturally, the child who is eager should factor into the decision process. Making the right decision will hopefully begin the life-long enjoyment of music. If in doubt, wait 6 months and reassess his/her development.

• Consider the development of the child, not just the age
• Assess his/her physical, emotional and mental development
• Parent participation is important to his/her success
• Wait 6 months if you feel the child is not quite ready. It is always better to wait.

You can email us with questions you would like for us to address in future Keys for Success columns. We would enjoy hearing about your experiences and ideas. Look for responses and maybe your experiences and ideas in the next Keys for Success.

Email: Kathleen@pianomouse.com

Scheduling Practice Time

Musical success requires the discipline of practice. The following are tips that may help your child with the routine of practice.

• Provide a quiet environment
• Practice in the morning before school
• Remain close by to encourage your child so he does not feel alone
• Schedule a consistent time for practice
• Praise your child's efforts
• For the younger student, consistency is more important than the length of time.

Paramount to your child's success is parent involvement. The more enthusiastic and involved you are, the more successful and happy your child will be. Charts and incentives are wonderful tools for the younger student. Be creative and imaginative to encourage your child's experience in music. Learning music should be fun!

You can email us with questions you would like for us to address in future Keys for Success columns. We would enjoy hearing about your experiences and ideas. Look for responses and maybe your experiences and ideas in the next Keys for Success.

Email: Kathleen@pianomouse.com

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