Dear parents,
I commend you for choosing to bring music into your little son or daughter’s life. While these lessons have the potential to begin a wonderful life-long talent in your child that will bring great satisfaction, they will more importantly bring him/her greater confidence, intelligence, learning and studying skills, and performance and presentation ability. Perhaps the foremost expert on child music training, Shinichi Suzuki said: ‘’The purpose of [music] education is to train children, not to be professional musicians but to be fine musicians and to show high ability in any other field they enter.[…] There is no telling to what heights children can attain if we educate them properly right after birth.’’
As always, you as the parent will play a crucial role in your child’s music education. While the teacher will act as the ‘’musical guide’’ teaching concepts, exercises and songs in lessons, you will be responsible for much of your child’s retention and progress between lessons. This is easiest and best done by becoming your child’s ‘’practice partner’’. Observe the exercises and songs taught in the lessons and then lead your child in one or more short practice sessions each day. While your child can still progress without practicing, your efforts will cause their talent to multiply. When your child has reached sufficient maturity, you will find that your physical presence will be less and less needed in the practice and lessons.
Whatever level of involvement you choose to take it is of the utmost importance that you always remain positive and supportive of your child’s musical interest and progress. Frequently encourage them to perform for you what they have learned and reward them with much affection. As a parent, being your child’s greatest fan will not only ensure their interest and dedication, but also help build a wonderful and precious relationship between you and them. I wish you the best of success in raising your exceptional child!
(Taken from a music tuition book by Gregory Blankenbehler)
Kind regards,
Lwena and Martin Sorento