The Teacher-Student-Parent Triangle

The relationship of teacher, student, and parent is very important for successful piano study. Each has certain responsibilities to consider.

as the teacher I will:

• Provide a complete program that includes many styles of music, plus theory, music history, and composition.
• Maintain my skills by participation in music organizations, and by attendance at seminars and workshops.
• Keep abreast of current teaching methods and materials.
• Bring awareness of the beauty of music to each student in a way that is within his/her grasp, respect each student's individuality and nurture a love of music in that student, and encourage and support self-discipline and self-esteem in every student.

as the student, at the lesson I will:

• Have trimmed fingernails.
• Leave chewing gum and food at home or in the car.
• Arrive punctually, prepared, and with all current music books, including theory book, assignment binder, and any other materials so all will be available at lessons, regardless of whether all are used each week.
• Practice conscientiously 5–6 days a week under normal circumstances. Follow my suggestions for practice. Please tell me if you have been ill, or out of town, or have had a heavy homework load. I further understand that this minimum practice time does not include time spent on written assignments. My teacher has agreed to help me with learning how to practice well, and I agree to call her if I do not understand how to use my practice time.
• Comply without argument or excuse when I am reminded that it is time to practice. I understand that I may not always feel like practicing, but that it is important for me to do so on a regular basis to maintain and improve my playing ability, and that my parents are my coaches in helping me to do this.

at home, I will:

• Complete all parts of your assignment, including written work, sightreading, technique, and repertoire.
• Fill out your practice chart in your binder.
• Ask questions if you don't understand.
• Be cheerful, polite, and cooperative. (If I fail to act cooperatively my teacher may call a “time out” for the rest of the lesson.)

parents:

Parents have primary responsibility to provide and perpetuate an enthusiastic atmosphere for learning. Following are some ideas for creating this atmosphere.

• The piano should be kept in tune and located where there is adequate lighting and few distractions. If you need the name of a tuner, ask me.
• Make sure friends and family members respect practice time.
• Make sure the student follows up on the assignment, as noted above.
• Sign your child's practice record and let them know how important it is to fill out.
• Let your child know you are proud of his/her achievements. Encourage them by listening to and commenting on their performance. Ask questions about what they are doing. Tape their practice so they can hear themselves objectively.
• Attend all recitals and programs open to parents.
• Go to other concerts and programs as a family.
• Know that there will be times your child resists practicing. This is normal. Be understanding of occasional lapses, but stress the need for regularity. However, if there is a real problem, please call me.
• Always feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
• Do see that your child never misses a lesson except for illness or true emergency.
• Don't allow your child to skip a lesson because s/he hasn't practiced. The student who hasn't practiced is most in need of a lesson.
• Don't express displeasure when you child "noodles" at the piano. Just make a clear distinction between noodling and practicing.
• Emphasize not how long practice is, but how much is accomplished. Quality is what is most important.
• Ask your child to play a piece that they learned, rather than explain what they learned, at a lesson. Sit down and listen to your child's weekly practice assignment immediately following the lessons, and then listen again just before the next lesson. Comment on the improvement you hear.