Note to Parents

Practice

• Playing an instrument requires development of muscular coordination and mental concentration, skills that are best acquired by consistent and careful daily practice.
• Minimum practice time for beginners should be on the average of 30 minutes each day. This will increase as the student studies more difficult music.  Actual practice time may be split into shorter segments throughout the day.
• Advanced students must practice at least one hour each day.
• The student should have a certain time designated each day as practice time that the entire family respects.  This is of utmost importance.
• To achieve the above requirements, parental support and dedication are necessary.  It is suggested that parent sit in on the practice time at least once a week.  Parents of young students are required to “coach” their child in the practice time. Please read the “Frequently Asked Questions about Piano Study” handout to understand more about piano practice.
• Both the parents and student need to sign a “Practice Agreement” before each school year.
• To encourage practice MSC has a “100-Day Club” which rewards the student after 100 consecutive days of practice.

Listening

• Learning to hear is a basic skill for musicians.  Listening to high quality classical music is essential in order to learn music successfully. Students and parents are encouraged to listen as much as possible.
• Preference needs to be given to the pieces the student is studying.  Students can purchase tapes and CDs from the teacher to this end.
• In addition, the student and parents should also enjoy listening to classical piano music and classical music in general.  Sacramento's public radio station KXPR-90.9 FM is a superb source for general listening.
• We also suggest that students attend at least 2 outside recitals or concerts given by professional musicians.  The MSC online calendar provides a list of musical events in our area.

Equipment Needed at Home

• A good quality and well-maintained piano, adequate lighting, a chair or a bench at correct height, and a footstool of correct height (if the student’s feet can not reach the floor) are necessary for attentive and accurate ears and fingers, a balanced body, and fun learning.
• It is very important to have your piano tuned at least once or twice per year.
• The student must have a metronome at home to help with their counting.