Piano can bring you closer together
Tuesday, September 17, 2019 by April Davis | tiptuesday
Can you think back to a time when an adult taking an interest in what you were doing made all of the difference in how you felt about that activity and how you felt about yourself ?
As the parent of a piano student, if you don't play an instrument yourself it can be hard to know what to say to start a dialogue. I hear from the parents of my students: I don't understand what she's learning, so I have no idea if she's doing the right thing or not; Or, I tell him to practice every night, but it's becoming a struggle.
Friction and bewilderment are the opposite of engagement and relationship building. The following tips will help you shift the conversation and turn this wonderful skill your child is learning into a way to strengthen your relationship. When they know it's important to you, it becomes important to them.
I want to show you more tools to engage with your child as they study. Here is an example of an emailed lesson note that my students get after every lesson. It's real and names have been blurred:
There are words in this note that the parent, who doesn't play an instrument, doesn't understand. Guess who does understand? The student! It's a great opportunity for the parent to engage with the student and ask, "Hey, can you show me what this word arpeggio means? I don't think I've ever heard that word before!" Letting the student play "teacher" is affirming and engaging.
There's also a quick reminder of how to practice at the end. There will come a time when a student can practice solo all of the time, but when a student is a beginner it's really necessary to assist at least a few times a week. They are just figuring all of this stuff out and you might learn a few things too!
Alright, onto the pièce de résistance, insightful questions and words of encouragement you should totally steal:
- Can I hear what you learned today?
- Did you get a new song?
- I'm making dinner now and I would love to have some nice background music.
- Why don't we have a little recital after dinner? You can play us some pieces and then we'll all go out for ice cream!
- Can you tell me what your teacher wanted you to work on in that piece?
- Can I hear a piece you used to play a long time ago?
- I noticed you really like that new song on the radio. Can you pick out the melody?
Do you have any insightful questions you can add to this list? I'd love to hear from you!
Davis Piano Studio has a few open spots this fall for Wednesdays and Thursdays. Register to schedule your audition today!
Online Lessons Now Available
Monday, September 2, 2019 by April Davis | Announcement
In keeping with Davis Piano Studio's mission to remain innovative, I'm excited to announce the availability of online private piano lessons! I'm passionate about music, sharing my gift of teaching piano, and reaching more students and with online private lessons I'll be able to do just that.
Anyone can take online lessons and the requirements couldn't be more simple. Students need:
- a piano (or, beginners can start with a 66 key keyboard).
- a device with camera, sound & an internet connection (smartphone, tablet, laptop).
- a quiet area to conduct the lesson.
Online lessons are convenient. They are offered in this studio as a primary lesson method, but also as a backup to my current students.
Students can be more engaged in an online lesson. Online lessons require that the student take more responsibility during the lesson in marking their music and being aware of what measure is worked on.
It can help students who are a little more shy or reserved. Students remain in an environment where they are comfortable while still receiving top notch education.
Have you been thinking about starting lessons or enrolling your child in lessons, but the idea of traveling to a teacher's house is keeping you from committing? Let's schedule an audition for you or your child today to see if online lessons is a good fit for you! Email april@davisrrtx.com to book your audition today!
