Keeping Piano as a Priority...a Parent's View

My two children, ages 8 and 10, take piano lessons from my mother. They have regular weekly lesson times, and we try to practice daily. My 8-year-old is in second grade, and his goal is to practice 20-30 minutes a day. My 10-year-old is in fifth grade, and her goal is to practice 60 minutes a day. Accomplishing these goals takes a lot of effort, on all of our parts!

Here are a few things that help us achieve practice goals:

• We have set times for their practicing, and I try to help both of them for at least part of that time. For us, practicing in the early morning, before school, has been the best time.
• Practicing piano is one of their responsibilities. Part of their allowance is based on their practice efforts.
• We try to follow my mom's assignment, which is written down in an assignment book, and she grades them weekly, based on their efforts.
• They have to perform regularly, so we are motivated to practice regularly!
• My mom takes breaks during the school-year, and during the summer, so we do take weeks off here and there, which helps us all to relax and avoid burn-out.

Now, realistically, we don't always achieve weekly practice goals! My children are involved in other extra-curricular activities and have homework...both my husband and I work...etc., etc.! But we try, as a family, to stay committed to the activities we choose, and to evaluate all of our schedules regularly so that we don't get over-committed. However, it is a challenge! There are so many opportunities available to students today and it is hard to say "no" when a child wants to try something new, but sometimes it is necessary.

~Lori

Comments

[Bonnie]

I wish all parents would feel this commitment to their childrens' music education. The allowance attachment is interesting - hadn't thought of that. Also I would be interested to know how your mom grades - does she break it down into categories; where does she put it - on the student's assignment sheet maybe; is it ABC type grades; is this feedback to students, parents or I guess both each week? Also does she do regular evaluations?
Appreciated your post! Bonnie

[Lori]

Hi Bonnie,
My mom grades with letter grades for older students, or Excellent, Very Good, or Needs Improvement for younger students. She puts the grade in the assignmnent book. She uses the assignmnent book which was designed by her. It is a blue book called Music Notebook, GP16 (Kjos) and there is a place to write a grade and a note to the student/parent each week. It helps a lot with communication between teacher, student and parent.
~Lori