Tag: learning piano at home

Five Things to Do Before Your Child’s First Piano Lesson.

You’ve done it! You’ve scheduled your child’s first piano lesson!

Before my daughter’s first day of kindergarten, there were a lot of things we did to prepare. I met her teacher (and tried not to cry as I hounded her with question after question). We went to the store and purchased school supplies and the same Elsa backpack that every other girl in school had. I deposited money into her lunch account and read The Kissing Hand. We did all these things because the first day of school is new and exciting and a bit scary. We wanted her to feel as confident and comfortable as possible in a new environment.

I realize sending your child off to her first piano lesson isn’t quite as big of a deal. However, there are still some things that you can do to help ensure a successful experience — for the first piano lesson and beyond. Continue reading “Five Things to Do Before Your Child’s First Piano Lesson.”

What to Look For In A Piano Teacher.

I blog a lot about making a careful match between your child and his piano teacher. It’s because I SO strongly feel that being thoughtful in this match sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and allows your child to be successful at his instrument. Continue reading “What to Look For In A Piano Teacher.”

Piano Tuning and Maintenance.

If you are blessed to have an acoustic piano in your home, it is essential that you know about piano tuning! Having it tuned regularly not only keeps the value from diminishing but also helps you develop your musical ear.

I once had a student who by all counts was practicing EVERY single day. Yet at her lessons, she was struggling to read the notes. In discussion with her mom, I found out that her piano was terribly out of tune. My student was confused as to why her music sounded so different when she played it on an “in tune” piano at lesson time!

Once the tuner made it to her house, everything clicked into place. Continue reading “Piano Tuning and Maintenance.”

Ideas to Get Your Child to Practice Piano

As a mom and a piano teacher, I constantly am faced with motivating students to practice. Many parents of students will call or e-mail with the age-old question: “How do you get your child to practice piano?”

If you have a child at home that you are constantly battling with over practicing, here are some tips that I’ve picked up through the years. Continue reading “Ideas to Get Your Child to Practice Piano”

Raise A Musical Child.

It’s probably not news to you that music is really good for your child.  It enhances all forms of learning, and it seems as though there’s always a new study being released on how it makes kids smarter, benefits brain development, etc. So what are some ways that we as parents can give our children access to all these benefits and raise a musical child?

Here are a few ideas from this piano teacher and mom. Continue reading “Raise A Musical Child.”

Adult Piano Lessons: How They Benefit Your Child

There are lots of  reasons for you to enroll in adult piano lessons.

It’s something that will build you own confidence and lead to great fulfillment. It may be something you’ve always wanted to do and can “cross off” your bucket list. Plus, it stimulates your brain – which can help with Alzheimer’s prevention.

But sometimes it can be really difficult as a mom to take on a commitment for yourself.  Maybe you feel selfish signing up for adult piano lessons, taking away time from your day that could be used to clean your house, get dinner ready or help kids with their homework. Continue reading “Adult Piano Lessons: How They Benefit Your Child”