Sometimes parents worry unnecessarily regarding their child's piano lessons. This worry generally stems from focusing on short-term goals over process. For example, focusing on a particular piece of music or on how much their child has practiced today, or this week, as a prediction of their child's future success in piano. These short-term goals are important, but much more importantly, they are part of a larger learning process that takes time.

While short-term evaluations may be natural for parents, the consequence of continually focusing on today's product as a predictor of success without looking at the long-term learning process creates an atmosphere of tension surrounding piano lessons. This tension too often leaves children with unnecessary perceptions of failure that leads to disappointment and burn out. It is much healthier and more realistic to stay focused on long-term goals while celebrating each achievement along the way.

As it happens, parents who tend to worry the most about their child's success in piano, also tend not to pay enough attention to the basics. Why does this happen? Well, for parents who don't play the piano, learning can seem very mysterious. Consequently, they look at what they know, comparing their children to the geniuses in myth and history they have heard about, such as Mozart or Beethoven. And they assume that learning to play the piano is supposed to be very difficult.

Let me dispel this myth of difficulty for anyone reading this newsletter who may be new to piano. Learning to play the piano is simply a process of musical growth that involves paying attention to simple things over years of practice. The only difficult part is staying focused over time, and for parents, supporting your child in piano over time.

You can help your child stay focused toward more important long-term achievement in piano by continually re-directing their attention to the 5 simple things listed below. These will keep them on the surest, fastest road to a solid musical foundation that will serve them well in the future. Piano lessons do not have to be difficult. So, parents, please, stop worrying, and give peace a chance. Follow the simple steps below and you will see, piano can be easy! .

1. Attend weekly lessons.

Students who are excited about starting lessons quickly lose interest when they miss their lessons and forget what the teacher has shown them. Having to start over and over again is discouraging.

2. Bring music books to every lesson.

No books, no plan. No plan, no progress.

3. Set aside a routine daily practice time.

Establishing a routine is best because it builds the practice habit. There is always a choice of how to spend time. When the choice for piano is made ahead it's easier for kids to get into the practice habit and achieve their goals.

4. Follow the teacher's practice instructions.

Good habits are very important. Even if they seem too simple, take them seriously. Much of piano is counter-intuitive. Understanding comes from inductive reasoning, so trust your piano teacher.

5. Attend piano recitals and activities.

Recitals set important goals that give kids direction and something to work toward. Setting goals helps piano students achieve their potential and reach their musical dreams.

Creative learning is an ongoing process that leads to success over time. Following these five simple steps, your child in piano will stay on track for success, and develop the long-term skills they need to achieve their musical dreams. So don't be afraid to relax and enjoy the piano journey. You can do it!

Best regards for your child's musical success,

Cynthia Marie VanLandingham
Author of Piano Bears Musical Storybooks

Little Bear's Musical Garden
Little Bear's Piano Goals

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