There are two types of learners: the “learn for fun” type and the “serious” type. Although the pressure levels are different, we all want the same thing for them: progress. In this post, we look into little things with magical impact on your child’s musical performance.
1. Consistency
According to our Master Piano Teacher Doris, attendance is important for music lessons. It is important to establish a routine for young children, such as showing up on time for weekly lessons unless they really cannot make it (e.g. sick, family emergency). This way, even if your children do not practice at home as frequently as the teacher suggests, he/she still regards weekly music lessons as an important commitment.
2. Practicing the assigned pieces
Young children sometimes want to play the music that they like at home. However, it is important that they practice the pieces that were assigned by the teachers first, before moving on to other pieces of preference. According to Teacher Doris, there are various reasons why teachers assign certain pieces, often it is a new concept or new technique in the piece that needs to be learned. That being said, students should follow the recommended lesson plans for optimal results.
3. Increasing musical exposure
Treat the music that you want your child to learn like a new language and increase exposure to those types of music (Classical, Jazz, Pop, etc.) whenever and wherever you can: at home, in the car, etc. It’s also a good idea to see how different performers approach the same piece differently. For example: take a look at two students of Opus 1's, playing the same piece Lullaby by J. Brahms at our Spring Recitals 2017.
Jungsoo (performing with her Dad) at 1:29
Luiza (performing with Teacher Lynn) at 1:08
4. Parent involvement
According to Professor Gary McPherson — Senior Executive at Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, “Parents who provide early encouragement and gentle ongoing support, are far more likely to see their child succeed with music”. For more than 30 years, his researches focus on how individuals develop wide-ranging musical skills and support the viewpoint that musicians can be made, not just born.
At Opus 1, we also share the same belief. That is why we offer Music For Young Children group classes - which build music foundation for young students with no prior music experience and parent participation is vital to the success of the program.
5. Timely reward
It is recommended that compliments and rewards are given when real progress is made. Take some time to talk with the teacher during or at the end of the lesson about your child’s progress. Our teachers always make time to share with parents their recommendation that tailors to your child’s musical profile.