Recently Matt and I did a podcast about lesson product and stumbled upon the topic of parent involvement in lessons. Sometimes we like their involvement and some times we want them to let their child figure things out. It is something that can really help your child’s progress and love for music. Here are three things to think about as a parent when your child is taking music lessons.
Remind your child to practice! This is a finicky thing in my mind. I know a lot of my students are so energetic and scatterbrained that even though they want to practice they often forget. I try to include the parents in on our practice routine and expectations. All I ask of parents is when its our designated practice time, perhaps right after dinner, then remind your child it is practice time. If that’s not enough and they are being forced to practice then that is something that I need to fix to make practice more fun and realistic for them. It is sometimes a little ambitious to leave practice time solely up to a 6 year old.
Keep me informed with what’s happening at home. Sometimes the student is worried I will be mad if they didn’t practice or didn’t do well at something so they don’t tell me the full story. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate a parent messaging me and saying “so and so didn’t quite get the homework this week. They really tried but we couldn’t figure it out” or “so and so is really stressed about this assignment” or “so and so is really swamped at school and only practiced once”. I like to take what my students say to me as truth but it is sometimes nice to hear the perspective of the parent so I can ensure the students success.
Make sure you child has everything they need for their lesson! This one is so crucial. I cannot tell you how many times a student has shown up to a lesson and Ive asked “so you have your music/sticks/drum” and they respond with “aaaahh I left it at home” or even worse, “I left it in the car”. It was so close to making it! I am not a mother and I know it can be a lot to keep track of everything for your kids. But I beg of you, help me out! I have had to waste time re printing stuff or come up with a new lesson plan on the spot if they forgot to bring in the song they wrote.
It’s tough to keep track of everything as a parent. And there is a fine line between assisting your child and taking over their activity. Open communication with the teacher and keeping your child accountable are they best things you can do for us!
Hilary