www.musicalmemories.ca

Parental Support and Information

Whether you are a new parent considering the possibility of violin lessons for your son or daughter, a parent whose child already takes violin and you want more information about our studio, or you are a parent whose child is already enrolled in violin lessons at Musical Memories, this page is for you. Here you will find information about the age to start your children in lessons, practise and motivational tools used during lessons and suggested for home practise, along with parent/child lesson information. If you have any questions beyond what is given on this page, please be sure to contact me, and I will do my best in answering them for you.

	The Right Age to Begin: I would not recommend starting your child in lessons earlier than the age of four. Children younger than this grow frustrated with the instrument, and it becomes a detriment to what could have been a positive experience had they been a few years older. As I mentioned in a previous page, private lessons would be of greater benefit to children of this age. Other than that, however, I believe you are never to old, or young, to learn how to play the violin. I have had positive experiences with later as well as early beginners, so even if you have an older son or daughter and they are willing and eager to learn, they definitely can. I also offer lessons to adults, and especially encourage parents to learn along with their younger children.
	What About my Three Year Old? If you are eager to enroll your child in lessons before they are four years of age, I would be happy to lead a group rhythm class if you know of other parents interested in having their children participate in a class like this as well.
	Parents and Children: Enhanced learning is possible when parents and children learn together. It is never too late to learn a musical instrument. Why not take the opportunity to participate with your son or daughter? This method is especially effective with younger children. You can help them along through every step. Although in most cases the parent is capable of moving at a faster pace than their young child, this is a great starter tool. Parents and children can go to lessons together, practice together, and play together! A great relationship building tool, students are motivated when they see their parents doing the same things they are doing.

Practise at Home:

"Happiness is a thing to be practised, like the violin." - John Lubbock

"If I don't practice one day, I know it; two days, the critics know it; three days, the public knows it." - Jascha Heifetz

"There is no top. There are always further heights to reach." - Jascha Heifetz

Frequently, students will enjoy their lessons immensely, and then return home and leave their instrument in its case until the next lesson. Either that or when the violin does get picked up to play, students play whatever they wish simply to be over and done with their set time of practice.

Remember: the time spent during the lesson is only one day of the week. What happens between lessons is what counts in the student's progress in their studies and playing.

Rather than have students focus on the amount of time used to practise, I work with my students to make the most of their time practised. Together, my students and I form reasonable goals to work towards during their practise each week. Students see their progress faster, and don't have to dread the timer each practise session.

The amount of practise students must employ and the goals chosen each week will differ on the age of the student and their level of playing. These two factors will be assessed, and the students practise routine will be adjusted accordingly at each lesson.

Most students, especially those in the age range of four to eight years old, will need some guidence from their parents at home, including reminders to practise, monitering of their practise to make sure they are doing so correctly, and help with reading and following through on their notebook assignments. As time progresses, students are trained to become responsible for their musical studies, and the need for parental guidence begins to fade.

Motivational Tools: Your child will most likely encounter some bumps, ruts, and rocks along his musical journey; this is normal and should be expected. Your son or daughter will need help to cross these barriers: a little nudge or encouragement.

I strive to help students find enjoyment in their musical adventure, and to help diminish these low points. Concepts are taught and enforced at lessons through fun games and interactive activities. Lessons are kept upbeat and postive, while student achievements both great and small are celebrated. A few other tools used to help encourage and motivate students include: Studio recitals, community performances, prize incentives, and "Invite a Friend Day."

Policies: Policies and lesson procedures are discussed upon contacting Musical Memories or at your initial interview.

Additional Information: I consider it important to keep parents up to date and informed about their child(ren)'s studies. While I encourage parents of young students to observe their child's lesson (or learn along with them!), I realize this is not always possible. Therefore, I offer a variety of others ways for parents to remain involved, such as:

~Studio Newsletters

~Year End Progress Reports

~Weekly Notebook assignments

I also encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns regarding their child's music education.