Those of us that play music know that it can be a lifetime of enjoyment; a social activity; and a source of pride and achievement. Numerous studies show it has enormous benefits to the creative, social, intellectual, academic, even physical development of the child. Parents and family are the most important factors in your child's success and enjoyment of music.

What every parent should know:

After 30 years of playing and teaching it has become clear to me that there is a wrong way to teach music - "showing instead of teaching". Many students and parents are impressed with short-term results of playing by ear, or reading tablature or other over-simplified notation systems...the problem is that the student hasn't actually learned anything about music - they can only play one song! They will not be able to communicate with other musicians, compose their own songs, accompany other musicians, or even learn new songs quickly. In order to approach new musical situations confidently you need to know the fundamentals, and it's not that complicated - when taught the correct way. All music, from classical to country to heavy rock, incorporates these simple concepts. But some 'teachers' just can't be bothered to teach them - or maybe they don't know them! As your musical tastes change, these fundamentals help you learn and grow as a musician.

So don't be too quick to sign up with the "hot shot guitarist" who happens to teach as a sideline - teaching requires an entirely different skill-set and temperament. They are fundamentally different jobs! You won't get your money's worth!

"When you're building a house to live in your whole life, you don't rush the foundation."   -   Dan Summers, Owner and guitar instructor, The Music Room Music School

Have a set time frame of at least 6 months (preferably 1 year) for your child's commitment.                                              If they quit after this time, keep it as a positive experience and leave the door open to try again when they are ready.      Expose your child to a variety of music, especially live music: free concerts, ballet, blues jams, recitals of friends, church groups, etc.                                                                                                                                                                     Talk to them about their music lessons, and be approachable to the instructor.                                                                  Ensure that their instrument is in good working order.

Practicing:                                                                                                                                                                     Provide a quiet place, where the instrument can stay ready to play.                                                                         Remain nearby for help and encouragement.                                                                                                             Praise their efforts and recognize even small improvements.

What Parents Should NOT Do:                                                                                

Don't turn practice into a negative or punishment.                                                                                                        Don't insist that your child perform for others if they don't want to.                                                                              Never criticize your child's performance.                                                                                                                       Don't undermine the teacher's method or curriculum - Talk to the teacher privately if you have a question or concern. Don't provide a poor quality instrument. It doesn't have to be expensive. Check with the instructor. A professional instructor will not insist on a particular make or model, but can provide reliable advice.                                               Don't have expectations of immediate progress. The process is more important than the performance.


When It's Not Going Well :

Ask your child what they do or don't like about their music program. Talk to the instructor. Is there some aspect of the lessons that be changed (maybe just in the short term) that can rekindle the enthusiasm. Negotiate with your child. What was the initial time commitment. Can they give an honest effort till the end of the school year, or spring break? Keep it positive. If they made an honest effort they deserve recognition for that. Help your child develop a regular practice routine.

Contact us at:  info@thewestsideschoolofmusic.com