The short: *Kids love to COPY, kids need to HEAR music, kids need to SEE music and kids need to MAKE MUSIC with others.

1) Know your GOALS and your WHY for choosing to study music. Think of both the short and long term. Most students won’t end up majoring in Music, but having a musical foundation can be beneficial in many ways.

2) Know what your student is learning and what their goals for the next lesson are. The day after the lesson is one of the most important practice days of the week.

3) Schedule a regular practice time. It doesn’t have to be the same time every day, but there should be a designated “music practice” slot in your daily routine. Evaluate your lifestyle as a family and see if outside activities are affecting your ability to schedule quality practice time then adjust as necessary.

4) Encourage your student every step of the way. Any journey has highs and lows, and music is no different. Problem solve together by using cues from the book, teacher notes or encourage your student to improvise a solution. Encourage free exploration away from the regular, structured practice time. Free exploration on the piano and with singing is not “noise,” but serves as a confidence-boosting creative outlet.

5) Give them opportunities to share their music with friends and family outside of what the studio and our Long Beach branch have to offer. House parties and family gatherings are examples of times when the student may show off a bit!

6) A rich musical environment is crucial to musical development. You don’t have to be a musician or have any musical experience to provide this. Attend live concerts and performances and musical theater productions!

7) To develop a sound, it must be in the ear. Listen to different styles music every day while focusing on quality recordings of their respective instruments. Singers should find quality vocalists to listen to. This doesn’t have to be a formal listening time, but it should become a “familiar” sound in the student’s ear.

8) The composer Robert Schumann once said, “Always play on a well-tuned instrument. Always play as if a great Master were listening to you.” Maintain your instrument and have it tuned regularly. For those who own an acoustic piano, this may be 2x/year depending on your instrument. Place your instrument in an area of your home where it can be enjoyed by everyone.

9) Please respect the teacher’s policies, time and home. This will affect the teaching relationship greatly.

10) Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and please volunteer at any events!

Articles to Read

• 3 Things to Tell Your Music Student

• 20 Important Benefits of Music Education

*Barbie Wong