My instrument is broken, what should I do?
Take it to a reputable music repair shop: There are many repair shops in the area. A few to look for:
Take it to a reputable music repair shop: There are many repair shops in the area. A few to look for:
Where can I purchase strings and other musical supplies?
See the above music stores in the area.
My child wants to switch instruments. Is this possible?
It is best that students stay on the instrument they chose during instrument appointments. Usually the reason students want to switch is because the believe they have already learned how to play that instrument and now want to try a new one. While that may work for video games, learning a musical instrument is a life-long process - and one never truly masters their instrument.
My child wants to quit orchestra. Why? and What should I do?
The idea that a student wants to quit orchestra is a common occurrence when learning a musical instrument. Learning to play a musical instrument is a challenge, and with every challenge comes success and failure. There is a quote that states, "the road to the next level is always uphill." When students understand and attack the challenge, rather than recoil from it, they begin to understand the learning process.
Should I upgrade my child`s instrument?
All students learn on a beginner level instrument. Moving to a better quality instrument usually will result in the student being able to play with better tone and more in tune. I am always happy to help with this process. Please let me know if you are considering an upgraded instrument and I can assist with brands and models of instruments that will be of value. A word of caution - what looks like a great bargain may not be one. The old expression is very true - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
See the above music stores in the area.
My child wants to switch instruments. Is this possible?
It is best that students stay on the instrument they chose during instrument appointments. Usually the reason students want to switch is because the believe they have already learned how to play that instrument and now want to try a new one. While that may work for video games, learning a musical instrument is a life-long process - and one never truly masters their instrument.
My child wants to quit orchestra. Why? and What should I do?
The idea that a student wants to quit orchestra is a common occurrence when learning a musical instrument. Learning to play a musical instrument is a challenge, and with every challenge comes success and failure. There is a quote that states, "the road to the next level is always uphill." When students understand and attack the challenge, rather than recoil from it, they begin to understand the learning process.
Should I upgrade my child`s instrument?
All students learn on a beginner level instrument. Moving to a better quality instrument usually will result in the student being able to play with better tone and more in tune. I am always happy to help with this process. Please let me know if you are considering an upgraded instrument and I can assist with brands and models of instruments that will be of value. A word of caution - what looks like a great bargain may not be one. The old expression is very true - YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.
How can I help my child succeed?
How You Fit In
Always keep in mind that your support is a key element in your child`s success with music study. Music achievement requires effort over an extended period of time. You can help your child by:
* Providing a quiet place in which to practice
* Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible
* Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice
* Praising your child`s efforts and achievements
What To Do
To give your child the best possible support, you should:
* Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
* Offer compliments and encourage regularly.
* Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
* Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her lesson.
* Make sure your child`s instrument is always in good working order.
* Allow your child to play many types of music, not just study pieces.
* Listen to your child practice, acknowledge improvement.
* Help your child build a personal music library.
What Not To Do
Your child`s progress will be greatly enhanced if you:
Don`t use practice as a punishment
Don`t insist your child play for others when they don`t want to.
Don`t ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
Don`t apologize to others for your child`s weak performance.
Don`t start your child on an instrument that is in poor condition.
Don`t expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.
If your child loses interest
In the event your child loses interest in his or her music studies, don`t panic. Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining. Talk to your child`s music teacher to see what might be done to rekindle their enthusiasm. Encourage your child to stick with lessons for an agreed to period of time. Offer increased enthusiasm.
STARTING AND PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT
1. Beginning instrumental students need encouragement. Help them succeed by:
2. These instruments are not toys. They are very fragile - precision instruments. Please do not allow other people (even older and younger siblings) to handle the instrument.
3. Encourage them to play for you and relatives once they learn some songs.
4. Sit down with them at least once a week and help them practice. Have them show you what they are doing. Help them count. If you don`t know, ask your child to explain it to you.
5. Make every effort to keep the instrument in good working condition. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to play an instrument that does not work properly.
6. Every instrument has periods in the learning process that will be difficult. Encourage them to "persevere."
7. All orchestral string instruments need a supply of rosin and a small, soft, clean cloth. Strings are also a necessity for violins and violas (please see the class pages for recommended strings and rosin). Music stands are necessary for home practice. Metronomes, tuners, CDs of the instrument, concert tickets, and sheet music are great holiday gift ideas.
8. Please consider taking a few lessons on the instrument yourself, it will give you better insight into what your student is going through, and it may be fun for your child as well as yourself. Duets, trios, get the whole family involved!
9. As teachers, we try to set the students up for success. We want them to succeed. Let us know what we can do to help!
Always keep in mind that your support is a key element in your child`s success with music study. Music achievement requires effort over an extended period of time. You can help your child by:
* Providing a quiet place in which to practice
* Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible
* Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice
* Praising your child`s efforts and achievements
What To Do
To give your child the best possible support, you should:
* Encourage your child to play for family and friends.
* Offer compliments and encourage regularly.
* Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals.
* Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her lesson.
* Make sure your child`s instrument is always in good working order.
* Allow your child to play many types of music, not just study pieces.
* Listen to your child practice, acknowledge improvement.
* Help your child build a personal music library.
What Not To Do
Your child`s progress will be greatly enhanced if you:
Don`t use practice as a punishment
Don`t insist your child play for others when they don`t want to.
Don`t ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
Don`t apologize to others for your child`s weak performance.
Don`t start your child on an instrument that is in poor condition.
Don`t expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.
If your child loses interest
In the event your child loses interest in his or her music studies, don`t panic. Discuss the situation with your child to determine why their interest is declining. Talk to your child`s music teacher to see what might be done to rekindle their enthusiasm. Encourage your child to stick with lessons for an agreed to period of time. Offer increased enthusiasm.
STARTING AND PLAYING AN INSTRUMENT
1. Beginning instrumental students need encouragement. Help them succeed by:
- finding a place in the house that can be their "practice area"
- well lit
- free from noise and distraction (as much as possible)
- Understanding that they must practice every day
- Know that sometimes they must practice loud in order to develop their tone.
- Understand that they are attempting to master an adult skill
2. These instruments are not toys. They are very fragile - precision instruments. Please do not allow other people (even older and younger siblings) to handle the instrument.
3. Encourage them to play for you and relatives once they learn some songs.
4. Sit down with them at least once a week and help them practice. Have them show you what they are doing. Help them count. If you don`t know, ask your child to explain it to you.
5. Make every effort to keep the instrument in good working condition. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to play an instrument that does not work properly.
6. Every instrument has periods in the learning process that will be difficult. Encourage them to "persevere."
7. All orchestral string instruments need a supply of rosin and a small, soft, clean cloth. Strings are also a necessity for violins and violas (please see the class pages for recommended strings and rosin). Music stands are necessary for home practice. Metronomes, tuners, CDs of the instrument, concert tickets, and sheet music are great holiday gift ideas.
8. Please consider taking a few lessons on the instrument yourself, it will give you better insight into what your student is going through, and it may be fun for your child as well as yourself. Duets, trios, get the whole family involved!
9. As teachers, we try to set the students up for success. We want them to succeed. Let us know what we can do to help!
