Practice Guidelines for Parents and Students
1. Set aside an agreed upon time for practicing each day.
2. Stress that the quality, not the quantity, of practicing is what counts for real progress.
3. A quality practice of 4-6 days per week is most effective.
a. 15-20 minutes/day for beginners
b. 20-30 minutes/day for 2nd year and beyond
c. 30-60 minutes/day for intermediate to advanced
4. Be pleasant and encouraging about practicing
5. Teach your child to treat the practice session with the same respect that he gives to school lessons and homework.
6. Anticipate ups and downs in attitude and practicing and a number of growing pain periods as well.
7. Remember that music training is a long-term investment, just as schooling is.
8. Home practicing charts with small rewards are often helpful.
9. Don’t despair if practicing becomes non-existent for awhile. Your child will make progress at the lesson itself, though it will be slower.
10. Do not cancel your child’s lesson due to the fact that he/she has not practiced during the week.
11. Practice record should be checked and signed by a parent and brought to the lesson.
12. Always let your child feel that you are proud of his/her achievements, even if they are small.
