It’s that time of year . . . for some of us we’ve now had two MYC classes and for some we’ve just finished our very first.  For some we’re refreshing what we’ve learned in previous years and for some this is our very first time ever taking piano lessons and it’s brand new to you.

For Emma and myself. . . it’s being able to hang out with all of you again, hear what amazing summer adventures you went on and be able to have fun teaching you new music concepts through piano, songs, unique homework assignments (sometimes coloring, cutting & pasting!), rhythm ensembles and more.  And we have a ton of new stickers too!

As you start the year it’s important to get into a regular routine of practicing right away – just like you do for going back to school.  If you can find that one time of the day that works best for your child to practice – when they’re not too tired or hungry – and stick to that time each day soon you’ll find that it becomes a habit.  There is truly nothing better (speaking as a piano student’s parent) than having your child know it’s time to practice and watch them go to the piano by themselves; letting you simply enjoy listening to what they are learning!  If they are younger you will want to practice with them – spending that time with them will be well worth it as you watch them progress over the musical year!

Have fun with your child when they practice, too. Here are some tricks and tips that work well. Instead of asking them to find a specific note on the piano try getting them to stand/sit on the other side of the room while you stand by the piano.  Tell them what note you want them to play (high, low, what hand, what finger, style, etc.) and then say “GO!” Watch them run across the room, play that note the way that you specified and run back to where they started from to wait for the next note. Challenge them to see how many can they get in a row. Another idea that works really well – trade places with them and get them to test you – kids LOVE telling their parents what to do!  Learning our notes like this is so much more interesting and fun for a child than just sitting at the piano and playing each note (just make sure you keep breakables away from them!)

Use your imagination and allow your child to use theirs as well – music isn’t about putting our minds into a box but rather it’s about learning how to take what’s on the inside of us and share it with everyone around us in creative ways.

Emma and I are really looking forward to an amazing year with you and your children and can’t wait to see how they grow throughout the year. And who knows – maybe you’ll find yourself practicing and learning a new skill as well!

And just in case you know of anyone interested in Music for Young Children lessons, we still have a couple spots available in two Sunbeams 1 classes (beginners ages 5 & 6) on Mondays from 6PM to 7PM and on Tuesdays from 6PM to 7PM.