| Fall is when children return to school, meet new | | | | punishment! If getting your child to practice is as |
| friends, and take on new challenges. Adults can | | | | hard as getting them to clean their room, you |
| enjoy this exciting time of learning and growth as | | | | could lead by example and begin practicing on |
| well. | | | | your own. Your child will most likely want to join |
| I encourage all parents to learn music with their | | | | in, saying, "no, Mom, this is how it goes!" |
| children. As a violin teacher I know it's the best | | | | When a parent shows commitment to the |
| way for a child to learn and remain dedicated to | | | | practice routine the child will soon follow. The child |
| their instrument and for the parent to be involved | | | | will improve much faster and feel more confident |
| in a constructive manner. | | | | in his/her abilities. Providing a positive influence will |
| Children learn best by example. If their parents | | | | help the parent feel more supportive and |
| say, "I have no musical talent," kids are bound to | | | | nurturing, not like a policeman! |
| live the same fate. However, when you choose | | | | Practice can become a family project. Weekly |
| to learn music from scratch you prove "if I can | | | | family concerts are an excellent activity |
| do it, you can too!" In six years there has been | | | | emotionally, musically and socially. By playing for |
| only 1 parent/child duo of mine that quit. | | | | an audience the musicians step out of their |
| Parents pay more attention in the lesson and | | | | comfort zones and overcome nervousness. The |
| remember things the child may have forgotten or | | | | weekly goal of a concert teaches your child the |
| didn't understand. You can help your child when he | | | | value of practice, dedication and setting goals. The |
| she runs into difficulty and continue teaching at | | | | family as a whole becomes more involved and |
| home. Plus, he/she won't get away with fibbing, | | | | supportive by offering the players encouragement |
| "teacher said I don't need to practice!" | | | | and feedback. What better way to spend time as |
| Routine practicing is of utmost importance as a | | | | a family? |
| musician. Unfortunately, for many children | | | | I wish you and your family a fulfilling and |
| practicing feels like grueling torture or cruel | | | | successful new season of learning. |