Parents

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Learning a New Instrument

  1. Beginning instrumental students need encouragement. Help them succeed by:
    • Finding a place in the house that can be their “practice area”
    • Well lit, free from noise and distraction (as much as possible)
    • Understanding that they must practice at least 6 days each week
    • Know that sometimes they must practice loudly in order to develop their
      tone
    • Understand that they are attempting to master an adult skill
  1. These instruments are not toys. They are very fragile – precision instruments.
    • Do not allow other people to handle the instrument
    • The band directors will teach the students the proper care and maintenance of the instrument
  2. Encourage them to play for you and relatives once they learn some songs.
  3. Feel free to sit down with them at least once a week and help them practice. Have them show you what they are doing. Help them count. If you don’t know, ask your child to explain it to you.
  4. Band meets EVERY DAY! Students should ALWAYS have their instrument at school.
  5. Make every effort to keep the instrument in good working condition. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to play an instrument that does not work properly.
  6. Every instrument has periods in the learning process that will be difficult. Encourage them to “persevere.” Please feel free to call the band office if you need help.
  7. Woodwind instruments will need a good supply of reeds (except flute). Brass instruments will need slide oil and valve oil. Music stands are necessary for home practice. Metronome/tuners, polishing cloths, CDs of the instrument, are great holiday gift ideas.
  8. Please consider taking a few lessons on the instrument yourself, it will give you better insight into what your student is going through, and it may be fun for your child as well as yourself. Duets, trios, get the whole family involved!
  9. As band directors, we try to set the students up for success. We want them to succeed. Let us know what we can do to help!

How You Fit In

Always keep in mind that your support is a key element in your child’s success in band. Music achievement requires effort over an extended period of time. You can help your child by:

  • Providing a quiet place in which to practice
  • Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible
  • Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice
  • Praising your child’s efforts and achievements

What to Do

To give your child the best possible support, you should:

  • Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
  • Offer compliments and encourage regularly.
  • Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
  • Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her lesson.
  • Make sure your child’s instrument is always in good working order.
  • Allow your child to play many types of music, not just study pieces.
  • Listen to your child practice, acknowledge improvement.
  • Help your child build a personal music library.
  • Try to get your child to make a minimum two-year commitment to his or her ​music studies.

What Not to Do

Your child’s progress will be greatly enhanced if you:

  • Don’t use practice as a punishment
  • Don’t insist your child play for others when they don’t want to.
  • Don’t ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
  • Don’t apologize to others for your child’s weak performance.
  • Don’t start you child on an instrument that is in poor condition.
  • Don’t expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.

If Your Child Loses Interest

In the event your child loses interest in his or her music studies, don’t panic.

  • Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining.
  • Talk to your child’s Band Director to see what might be done to rekindle their enthusiasm.
  • Encourage your child to stick with band for an agreed to period of time.
  • Offer increased enthusiasm.