The Piano Studio Triangle

Student success in piano lessons is founded on each member of the Piano Studio Triangle doing their best to do their part.  The three corners of the triangle are the student, the teacher, and the parents.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Support your student in their goals.  Recognize and cheer small accomplishments because they add up to big accomplishments over time.  Observe lessons and assist your student in their at-home practice as much as possible.  Play improvisations with your student, and consider enrolling as a student yourself so that your family can all participate in musical conversations.

Help your student find a consistent time to practice each day – before school and before homework are often most effective.  Daily practice, even if brief, is far more productive than long sessions less frequently.

Provide and maintain an acoustic piano (preferred) or digital keyboard in a quiet area with minimal distractions.  Please acquire a metronome as well.  Find more information about piano maintenance and metronomes in these blog posts.

Communicate any concerns, questions, or observations to the teacher.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Most importantly, demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Practice at least five days a week.  For best results and retention, practice the day of your lesson, review in the evening after your lesson, and practice the day after your lesson.  Piano study without consistent at-home practice is frustrating and ineffective for both student and teacher.

Come to private lessons and all other activities with a positive attitude, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and try new things.  Ask questions if there is something you don’t understand and take responsibility for your learning.  Show respect for teachers, studio books and equipment, and other students.

Take time to share your music with others.  Improvise with friends and family members, accompanying friends when they play their instruments, offer to play in church, make recordings to send to relatives that live far away.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Create a positive and enthusiastic learning environment that facilitates a well-rounded music education including technique, theory, creativity, ear training, history, and repertoire.  Encourage students to do their best and reach their individual goals.

Provide students with opportunities to share their music in recitals, masterclasses, and other studio events.

Provide feedback to parents regarding student progress; listen and respond to student and parent observations, concerns, and questions.

Participate in workshops, conferences, online forums, and other professional opportunities to improve my skills and knowledge as a teacher.