I have found over the years that there are certain characteristics of families whose children thrive in piano lessons and those that do not. Some of these points could easily be said of any musical instrument, or even sports!
So what does it take to be successful at music lessons?
1). An involved and informed parent- one who has decided that this is what she wants her child to do and is willing to invest the time and energy required to practise. And it does take time and energy!
2). A parent who knows that even though the Suzuki recordings may get boring for her, is not boring for the child and in fact, in order for the child to do well in lessons and have minimal fuss at home, life is easier when the recordings are listened to daily!
3). The ability to work with her child and be creative to get piano practise done daily- charts, incentives, practising at a time of day when the child is not tired….
4). Good communication with the teacher about what happens at home, goals, etc. This includes taking careful notes at lessons so as to accurately reproduce the lesson at home with the child.
5). Making music a part of every day life. Watching live performances. Encouraging the child to play for relatives and friends. And involving dad in the process.
I think, in short, the operating words would be “commitment”, “creativity” and “consistency”. Commitment to work with your child for the years that it takes to become proficient at the instrument (similar to sports, about 10-12 years, ages 5- 16/17). Commitment to follow the teacher’s instructions as best you can and as often as you can at home. Then, creatively working with your child at their instrument alongside them, supporting, encouraging and providing the environment they need to thrive at their instrument, consistently working together to get as much done as can be each given week within the frame of other responsibilities.
When the “Three C’s” are in place, piano practise is no longer a chore or something that has to get done, it becomes a way of life- a way of life that lasts a lifetime!