HOW TO H.E.L.P YOUR CHILD
LEARN A BAND INSTRUMENT
The first few weeks of learning to play a band instrument are especially important. Good practice habits need to be established at home from the beginning, and a parent(s) or guardian(s) can HELP.
Help to set-up the best possible practice facility. The area should be well-lit and free from other distractions, and should accommodate a straight-backed chair and music stand. If a CD player, DVD player or computer is available and in close proximity, the student will be able to play along with the Essential Elements 2000 recordings.
Establish a regular time and routine for practice sessions. Students should begin with warm-up exercises and then move on to the assignment for the week. Trouble spots should be isolated and worked out before the entire song is repeated. Have a pencil handy to circle and mark these spots. Students should end each practice session with a few favorites…just for fun!
Listen enthusiastically to your child’s practicing! Recognize his or her efforts with a comment such as. “I really liked the sounds of the low/high notes in that piece.” You are the audience your child will most appreciate, so be generous with your praise!
Participate in our three-way partnership: parent(s)/guardian(s)-student-teacher working together to make band an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Start by reinforcing your child’s practice routine. Acknowledge his or her home practice time on the chart inside the front cover of Essential Elements 2000.
PLEASE DON’T…
· force your child to play and instrument for which they are poorly suited. Listen to and trust the guidance of their band director, Mrs. Cannon. She wants your child to have the best possible musical experience.
· start your child on an instrument that is in poor working order or condition.
· make fun of the sounds that your child may produce.
· use practice as a punishment.
· stop lessons just because your child appears to be losing interest…there may be a simple solution.
· hesitate to ask questions! For many of you, this is a new adventure and communication is KEY!