PRACTICING

Practicing an instrument such as the recorder allows the student to enjoy participating successfully in group music making.  Fortunately practice does not need to either time consuming or arduous.  Here are some tips for parents to help in making playing fun.

• Set a regular time of day for practice that suits you and the child, either first thing in the morning, or even in bed at the end of the day.  Participate and interact with your child during the practice, and make it a special time to be together and share in the child's music making.
• Keep practices short.  10 minutes a day is enough to allow your child to develop playing skills and successfully progress in classes.
• A chart with stickers to record a successfully completed practice can be motivating for many children.
• Encourage them to perform for you.  Preparing a special concert for a grandparent or other family members can also provide a focus for improvement.
• Buy you child a music stand.  This gives a focus and a reminder and makes playing easier.
• Encourage the child to show and tell what they have learnt in lessons.
• Suggest to the child that they teach you about music.