How to progress
Once you've started, it's important to get into a routine of regular practice during the week, to make the most of the work done in lessons. Frequent short sessions are the best way to make progress, and if possible try not to have more than one day off in a row. It is always helpful to have the first practice session as soon as possible after the lesson to cement new concepts while they are still fresh in the mind. I provide written notes from each lesson as a reminder of what has been covered and what needs to be worked on for the coming week. For most young pupils this will mean parents keeping track of what's to be done and reminding them to play their pieces and check their homework during the week.
Children usually need help and encouragement to develop this routine, and it is a good idea to keep everything they need together in one place, easily accessible for when they go to practice. Having the piano open, with books on the stand can help motivate a pupil to play a little when they're passing. It's suprising how having one less thing to do can inspire you to play more!
Parents have a vital role in children's progress, particularly with pupils who are shy or lack confidence. It can be trickier for parents who perhaps don't know much about music themselves, but the important thing is to be reassuring and supportive. Simple things like asking "What did you learn today?" and "Can I hear your new tunes?" - followed by some commendation no matter how wobbly they might sound! - can really help.
Please be aware that missed lessons can be very disruptive to the student's learning process. Illness and holidays are unavoidable, but multiple missed lessons in a row can cause a pupil to stall for a couple of weeks as they find their place again. I do try to rearrange missed lessons if that's possible, so feel free to ask if there are any vacant spots that would suit for that week.
Once you've started, it's important to get into a routine of regular practice during the week, to make the most of the work done in lessons. Frequent short sessions are the best way to make progress, and if possible try not to have more than one day off in a row. It is always helpful to have the first practice session as soon as possible after the lesson to cement new concepts while they are still fresh in the mind. I provide written notes from each lesson as a reminder of what has been covered and what needs to be worked on for the coming week. For most young pupils this will mean parents keeping track of what's to be done and reminding them to play their pieces and check their homework during the week.
Children usually need help and encouragement to develop this routine, and it is a good idea to keep everything they need together in one place, easily accessible for when they go to practice. Having the piano open, with books on the stand can help motivate a pupil to play a little when they're passing. It's suprising how having one less thing to do can inspire you to play more!
Parents have a vital role in children's progress, particularly with pupils who are shy or lack confidence. It can be trickier for parents who perhaps don't know much about music themselves, but the important thing is to be reassuring and supportive. Simple things like asking "What did you learn today?" and "Can I hear your new tunes?" - followed by some commendation no matter how wobbly they might sound! - can really help.
Please be aware that missed lessons can be very disruptive to the student's learning process. Illness and holidays are unavoidable, but multiple missed lessons in a row can cause a pupil to stall for a couple of weeks as they find their place again. I do try to rearrange missed lessons if that's possible, so feel free to ask if there are any vacant spots that would suit for that week.
