Helping Parents Establish Best Practice Habits for Music Lessons

Introduction

• For young students especially, the importance of you becoming involved in setting their practice hygiene is essential.

• The benefits of establishing best practice habits early on include your child being able to thrive under self-direction and an increase in motivation.

• Set an enthusiastic tone that encourages active involvement.

  
  

The Importance of Consistency

• Regular practice is essential for musical growth because:

- Daily practice fosters discipline and builds skills over time.

- Consistency helps children feel a sense of achievement.

• Establishing a routine that works.

- Create a dedicated practice schedule that fits into the family’s lifestyle.

- Track progress on your online Encore account or other convenient method.

Creating a Positive Environment

• Importance of a supportive learning space.

- Designate a specific practice area free from distractions.

- Personalize the space with inspiring music-related decorations.

• Encouragement goes a long way.

- Use positive reinforcement to motivate your child.

- Celebrate small achievements to build confidence.

Engaging with the Learning Process

• Learn together to foster a shared experience.

-You can take or sit in on music lessons to understand challenges your child may face.

- Attend music events or performances as a family.

• Understanding the curriculum and expectations.

- Communicate regularly with your child's music teacher about your child's progress.

- Discuss goals and areas for improvement together.

Exploring Different Learning Styles

• Recognize that every child learns differently.

- Discover and know your child's preferred learning style—visual, auditory, or kinesthetic.

- Your child's Encore teacher can suggest different resources that cater to your child's learning preferences.

• Mixing up practice strategies helps to maintain interest.

- Include games, apps, or improvisation to make practice more enjoyable.

- Discuss rotating between musical genres to keep engagement high.

The Role of Technology

• Utilize online tools for enhanced learning.

- Explore music education apps that reinforce concepts.

- Explore and use musictheory.net as a resource.

• Record practice sessions for self-assessment.

- Encourage your child to listen to recordings to track improvement.

- Discuss areas of strength and needed focus based on recordings.

Setting Realistic Goals

• Encourage goal setting as a motivator.

- Help your child set short-term and long-term musical goals.

- Make sure goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

• Discuss the journey, not just the destination.

- Emphasize that progress takes time and effort.

- Remind them that every practice session contributes to their journey.

Fostering a Love for Music

• Share the enjoyment of music outside of lessons.

- Listen to a variety of music styles together.

- Attend concerts or local music events as a family activity.

• Encourage creativity and self-expression.

- Allow your child to explore improvisation or composition.

- Provide opportunities for them to showcase their music.

In Conclusion

• Establishing best practice habits aids your child's self-discovery by helping provide a safe and consistent environment in which to learn.

• Your involvement makes a significant difference.

• You are integral to your child’s musical journey.

-Bradley Allen, Director

Encore Music Studios