Role of the Piano Parent

Sports parents get a lot of attention.  After all, they are on the sidelines loudly cheering their kids on during games.

Piano parents are just as integral to music education.  Your encouragement may be quieter, but no less important to your child.  Welcome to the club!

“Your responsibility as a parent does not end once lessons begin, even though it’s your child you is taking lessons, not you.  Especially in the beginning, your help is needed to get piano study started in an organized manners so that your child will from correct habits which will equip him [or her] to continue more on his [or her] own.”          ~ James W. Bastien (A Parent’s Guide to Piano Lessons)

Similarities between sports parents & piano parents

While it may not seem like it, there are quite a few similarities between these 2 sets of parents.

Both need to:

  • Ensure regular, weekly practice of skills is happening.
    • A practice schedule is given to sports parents.
    • Piano parents set up a home routine with their child.
  • Ensure all supplies & materials are ready before lesson/practice/games.
  • Your child is well rested & is not hungry for practice/lesson/games.
  • Communicate with the coach/teacher concerns.
  • Encourage your child often, as well as praise their effort & milestones (no matter how small).

Celebrate milestones throughout the year

Piano parents go the extra mile

You, piano parent, play a vital role in your child’s music education.  Because practice & lessons are taking place in your home, piano parents go that extra mile.

Piano parents:

  • Provide a lesson environment that is free of distractions so learning & music making is the focus.
    • Your child is learning a new language full of new vocabulary, symbols, & ways of expressing thoughts.
  • Ensure the acoustic piano is tuned at least once per year.
    • Imagine listening to a playlist that has a lot of static.  Would you enjoy the music?  It is the same for piano practice.
  • Sit down often & listen to your child play the piano.
    • Up to age 7: Sit down EVERY practice time & help your child practice.
    • Ages 7-9: Sit down at least once a week during practice time with child &
      help them practice.
    • Ages 10 & up: Listen to your child practice at least once a week.  While it does not need to be in the same room, listen for & tell your child something positive about their playing.

Being a piano parent is a rewarding experience for both you & your child!

By setting up a routine right from the start & giving encouragement often, children know that you value the time & effort they are putting into learning this new language.

Piano Music:  Help, please!

hand-positionMany piano parents are unsure when it comes to their children’s music.  You know good music when you hear it, but all those symbols on the page … well, it may as well be written in Sanskrit.  Please feel free to use “A Guide To Obscure Italian Terms & Squiggly Lines (Or How To Read Piano Music)” as a quick reference when looking through your child’s music.

Piano Practice – Without pulling out your hair!

“Did you practice everything?”  “Yup.”  “It was only 5 minutes!”  “I’m done everything!”How can you help your children with their practice time each week?  Especially, if you are finding it difficult to read your child’s music?  Below are some articles for specific strategies to help you (and your child) make practice time successful!

What is your child’s role?

Learn more about your child’s role in their practice sessions, by clicking the “Weekly Practice Expectations” button below.

Weekly Practice Expectations