Practice Tips for Parents
Hello parents of Beginning Band students! First of all, thank you for supporting your child in this new musical endeavor. The first year of band is a very exciting time, and it is also a very important time for setting up future success. I hope you find the following suggestions and guidelines helpful!
Consistent, frequent, and deliberate practice is the key to your student's success in this first year of band! Simply put, if they do not practice, they will not really get better. One 30-minute small group lesson each week is an incredibly short amount of time, and it is imperative that your student take the exercises, tools, and techniques I give them in their lessons and apply them at home.
My expectation is that students practice for 15 -20 minutes 5 days per week. Doing much more than that isn't necessary for beginners (but don't discourage them if they're eager to play more!); doing much less than that won't be enough for them to see much improvement. Here are a few helpful tips about practicing at home that will make a huge difference in supporting your student's progress!
The following video offers some great additional suggestions and visuals to guide you and your students.
Consistent, frequent, and deliberate practice is the key to your student's success in this first year of band! Simply put, if they do not practice, they will not really get better. One 30-minute small group lesson each week is an incredibly short amount of time, and it is imperative that your student take the exercises, tools, and techniques I give them in their lessons and apply them at home.
My expectation is that students practice for 15 -20 minutes 5 days per week. Doing much more than that isn't necessary for beginners (but don't discourage them if they're eager to play more!); doing much less than that won't be enough for them to see much improvement. Here are a few helpful tips about practicing at home that will make a huge difference in supporting your student's progress!
- Frequency is far more important than duration. It is better for your student to practice 15 minutes each day for 5 days than to practice once for an hour the night before their lesson. Technique, strength, and retention are built up in small, steady doses over time.
- Establish a regularly scheduled time for your child's practice. First thing when they get home from school, immediately before/after dinner (make sure they brush their teeth before playing!), or as part of usual "homework time" can all work well. Having that routine increases the likelihood that practicing will happen.
- Consider setting aside a corner of your home as a "Practice Space." Make sure it has a sturdy chair, and leave their music stand set up with a pencil on it. Also, make sure it is free of distractions (TV, phone, siblings, etc.). The more convenient and special practicing is, the easier it is for them to be motivated to put in the work.
- Though your student's playing may be a little rough on the ears, especially at the start, don't send them out to the garage or put them in a closet to practice. It communicates a message that they don't want to be heard. If they're somewhere more visible, they'll feel more supported (and you can keep an eye on their focus too!).
- Ask your child to perform for you often! They will love getting to show their work, and it communicates your investment.
The following video offers some great additional suggestions and visuals to guide you and your students.
