Benefits of Music Study

Programs Tailor Made for All Needs

Improves memory

Enhances motor skills

Helps ability to do well in school

Develops attention span and concentration level

Improves school readiness in young children

Increases math skills

Improves creativity

Raises reading levels

Teaches spacial recognition

Improves self-confidence

Encourages abstract thought

Stimulates right brain activities

Teaches synthesis and innovation

Aids social awareness

DO's

Make clear to your child at the outset of lessons, in an enthusiastic manner, that music training is a long term process, just like school, but with many high points of enjoyment along the way.
Your child has his own unique pace, so avoid comparing him to siblings or neighbors' children who may appear to be playing better than he.
Anticipate "ups and downs" in your child's attitude and progress, along with a number of "growing pain" periods. These are natural learning undulations.
Seriously contemplate how to help your child. Knowing when to help and when to withdraw to encourage him to help himself is a parental art in itself.
Stress that quality, not quantity, of practice is what results in real progress. True effort is more valuable and productive than mindless repetition.
Be pleasant and encouraging about your child's practicing. There will be occassions when you will need to be firm, but coach him, guide him, and don't police him.
Teach your child to treat their practice session with the same respect he gives to his lesson time. Have a home environment that is conducive to music practice without distractions.
A sense of humor is a powerful tool with which to resolve any disagreements about lessons or practicing!
Always let your child feel that you are proud of his achievements, even when the achievement is small.

DONT's

Never belittle your child's efforts.
Don't despair at temporary lapses in practice. Your child will make progress in the lesson itself, albeit less rapidly. Gently encourage your child to practice songs he enjoys as well as songs he is assigned for study.
Don't threaten to stop your child's music lessons if he doesn't practice. Threats like this rarely bring the desired result.
Don't criticize your child in the presence of others. Speak to the teacher privately about problems.
Your financial investment in your child's music lessons pays it dividends through the skills he acquires over the years, not by how he plays for events. Remember you are giving your child a music education for his artistic and creative use, for his self expression, and his enjoyment. Your child may complain about lessons now, but his gratitude will come years later when he can play and enjoy music as an adult!