Top ways to help your student succeed in instrumental music.
1. REMIND YOUR STUDENT TO PRACTICE.
In any subject, mastery only occurs after understanding through doing – music is not any different in that respect. Ask your student if there are any passages that he or she should be working on. Practicing at home should be no different than doing math, science or any other homework. Keep in mind that practicing in shorter sessions over the week is more beneficial and effective than one or two long sessions per week.
2. SET A REGULAR PRACTICE TIME AND SPACE.
Setting a regular homework and practice schedule is an important factor in keeping on top of what’s going on in class. Find a time and space that works best for all in the household. This can go for any homework.
3. ASK TO HEAR YOUR STUDENT PLAY ON A REGULAR BASIS.
You can encourage your student to practice by asking to listen to something they are working on. Even if you don’t have a musical background, you can probably pick out areas that need some attention. Checking for progress later will help teach your student accountability.
4. STAY IN CONTACT WITH YOUR STUDENT’S TEACHERS.
Your student’s teachers will be able to tell you his or her strengths and weaknesses. This can be valuable information and can help shape how you assist your student at home so they aremost successful. Make sure to stay on top of the information that is communicated through remind and the website.
5. TAKE YOUR STUDENT TO LIVE PERFORMANCES.
Hearing live performances is an excellent way to improve without formally practicing. Hearing quality ensembles will train your student’s ear to listen better and play more musically. We are very lucky to have the Powder River symphony orchestra as well as two high schools in town. A list of these performances will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
6. ASK YOUR STUDENT IF HE OR SHE NEEDS ANY SUPPLIES.
A properly maintained instrument is essential to performing well. Ask your student if any supplies are needed. Instruments also need to be maintained periodically. Does your student have a tuner or metronome? These can make great stocking stuffers!
7. DON’T LET YOUR STUDENT GIVE UP.
Teaching your student perseverance and the importance of following through on obligations can be the most important life skills you impart upon your student. In any activity, there are difficult days or even weeks. In all parts of their life, remind your student that things will get better and with a little work, they will come out as a better person for sticking with it.
They will thank you for it later!
7. CONSIDER renting or purchasing an INSTRUMENT.
The school will have a limited quantity of instruments available to rent so to ensure your child gets their number one instrument choice please consider renting or purchasing their instrument. Many students will take more ownership of their musical journey if they are provided with their own instrument. Below is a list of quality brands of instruments for beginners. Mrs. Mayo routinely searches for good beginner instruments on the shop goodwill site and has purchased several instruments through this site for her own use. If you would like to be notified of any possible instruments that become available please sign up for my summer remind! This list is in no way comprehensive so if you would like Mrs. Mayo to check a specific instrument out message me through the summer remind.
Band Instruments
Bach, Buffet, Gemeinhardt, Getzen, Jupiter, Selmer, and Yamaha.
String instruments
Stentor, Yamaha, Hofner, Cecilio
Here is a list of rental stores that also offer purchase plans.
Hill Music Store in Casper, WY
Haggertys Music store in Rapid City, SD
Sweet water music company, online
Please check out Mrs. Mayo’s website for more information about helping your student pick an instrument if they are still undecided. Also there is a remind link on the website to get information over the summer about deals on instruments, instrument check out at the schools, and other beginning of the school year information for band and orchestra!
