BASIC PHILOSOPHY
Playing the piano involves mental, aural and physical skills that take consistent work to achieve. Piano playing works the brain at top capacity and creates more brain power and trains good concentration.
Playing the piano should only be associated with happy and positive experiences. Positive attitudes and rewards for work well done promote much greater success and a long lasting willingness to practice, attend lessons and play the piano.
Positive reinforcement is essential
1. Please do not berate or punish your child if he/she does not practice or follow through on assignments. Try a practice "game" instead. There is a great book of them you can use. Please ask.
2. Provide positive rewards for work done.
a. Continuously create rewards and positive experiences for the work and success that your child achieves.
b. Praise your child every time he/she completes a practice session, no matter how short.
c. Get a scrapbook and put pictures, programs, awards, etc. of musical experiences. Make a "big deal" of the work of participation in musical activities.
d. Compliment your child when you hear beautiful playing, correct practicing, see clean hands, good posture, etc.
e. Brag, don't nag! Brag about his/her successes to everyone in front of the child.
Practicing - Plan ahead for success. Basic to ease and willingness to practice is lots and lots of listening.
1. It is essential to practice each day, even if for only five minutes.
2. Make a practice schedule. If your schedule changes, make a new appointment for practicing.
a. Practicing is best done when the student is alert and happy.
b. Practicing in short sessions is best - several five to twenty minutes sessions throughout the day, i.e. morning before school, lunch time, after school and then again in the evening.
3. Stop and take a break if the student is practicing incorrectly or just banging on the keyboard. It is much better to postpone practice rather than practice incorrectly. Short happy practice leads to willingness and cooperation at future practices.
Respect and care of the piano
1. Wash and dry hands thoroughly before sitting down at the piano.
2. The piano should be tuned at least once a year, preferably twice or more often if necessary.
3. The piano is best placed on an inside wall away from direct sun and out of drafts from windows and heaters or cooling. Temperature variations are the major cause for the piano going out of tune.
4. The piano will appreciate in value if cared for properly.