Participation Expectations for Students

Students are expected to:
♪. Ask questions and try your best!  
♪. Practice five days a week so you make notable progress in your pieces. 
♪. Be prepared for lessons (with all books and completed theory or other projects). 
♪. Keep fingernails trimmed short (should not extend past the end of the finger). 
♪. Participate in performance workshops, recitals (and conferences as needed). 

Participation Expectations for Parents

 

While most students are initially excited to begin piano lessons, please be aware that they will face challenges and sometimes frustrations. As the initial enthusiasm is replaced by an awareness of the discipline and commitment required to attain skills, your encouragement and praise will be essential to your child’s success. 

Set aside a scheduled practice time for your child. It is important to budget time for practicing and to make it happen as a part of his or her daily routine. For example, you and your child might decide that each day after her afternoon snack she will practice for 20 minutes or that from 7-7:20am is her piano practice time. Many families report that practicing before school works well for them. Please supervise home practice sessions, making sure your child completes each assignment. Many children are too young to manage practicing without your support.

You must have your own instrument and bring it with you every lesson (not for piano students, of course!). For home practices you should have a piano or full-sized keyboard with 88-weighted keys, foot pedal and a bench at proper height in your home. The piano should be located in a well-lit place that allows practicing to be done with as few distractions as possible (TV and other siblings).