1. Remind your student to practice.
In any subject, mastery only comes from understanding through doing. Ask your student if there are any passages that he or she should be working on. Practicing at home should be no different than doing math, science or any other homework. (Keep in mind that practicing in shorter sessions over the week is more beneficial and effective than one or two long sessions per week.)
2. Set a regular practice time and space.
Setting a regular homework and practice schedule can help you and your student stay on top of what’s going on in class. Find a time and space that works best for all in the household.
3. Encourage your student to take private lessons.
Students learn a great deal in a large group setting. However, it is difficult to get into the details of each instrument during class -- especially in a band of 100 students! When your student takes private lessons, she or he can learn much more about their instrument, and become a better musician much more quickly than in band class alone.
4. Be involved.
While your student might not admit it, students do appreciate when parents are involved in their activities. There are many opportunities available; click here or ask Ms. Shuman to see how you can help. Most importantly, come and listen to your student’s performances!
5. Ask to hear your student play - a lot!
You can encourage your student to practice by asking to listen to something he or she is working on. Even if you don’t have a musical background, you can probably pick out areas that need some attention. Checking for progress at home can help teach your student accountability.
6. Stay in contact with your student's teacher.
Ms. Shuman will be able to tell you what your student is doing well, and what they need to work on. This can help you assist your student at home so he or she is most successful. You can contact Ms. Shuman any time to talk about your student's progress. Also, try to stay on top of information that's communicated through email, letters home, and this website.
7. Take your student to live performances.
Hearing live performances by great musicians can help your student improve without formally practicing - it can train their ears to listen better and play more musically. There are many excellent bands and orchestras nearby, which you can often hear for free. For example, the N.E.W. Concert Band, UW-Green Bay, St. Norbert College, and Lawrence University often have concerts on weekends for little or no cost.
8. Ask your student if she or he needs any supplies.
A properly maintained instrument is essential to performing well. Does your student have cork grease, valve oil, a tuner, a metronome? Ask your student often if he or she needs any supplies - they even make great stocking stuffers! Instruments also need to be maintained periodically - your student’s instrument should be taken to a music store for a check-up at least once per year.
9. Consider a "step-up" instrument.
Most students start out on a beginner level instrument, but by high school, they often outgrow (in physical size and ability) that instrument. It might be worthwhile to consider an intermediate-level instrument for your student. If a new instrument isn't feasible, try looking at an upgraded mouthpiece or barrel. You can always speak with Ms. Shuman about the possibility of trying out an intermediate or pro-level instrument.
10. DON’T LET YOUR STUDENT GIVE UP.
Perseverance and the importance of following through can be the most important life skills you ever teach your student. In any activity, there are difficult days or even weeks. In all parts of life, remind your student that with patience and hard work, things will get better, and they will be stronger for sticking with it. They will thank you for it later!
In any subject, mastery only comes from understanding through doing. Ask your student if there are any passages that he or she should be working on. Practicing at home should be no different than doing math, science or any other homework. (Keep in mind that practicing in shorter sessions over the week is more beneficial and effective than one or two long sessions per week.)
2. Set a regular practice time and space.
Setting a regular homework and practice schedule can help you and your student stay on top of what’s going on in class. Find a time and space that works best for all in the household.
3. Encourage your student to take private lessons.
Students learn a great deal in a large group setting. However, it is difficult to get into the details of each instrument during class -- especially in a band of 100 students! When your student takes private lessons, she or he can learn much more about their instrument, and become a better musician much more quickly than in band class alone.
4. Be involved.
While your student might not admit it, students do appreciate when parents are involved in their activities. There are many opportunities available; click here or ask Ms. Shuman to see how you can help. Most importantly, come and listen to your student’s performances!
5. Ask to hear your student play - a lot!
You can encourage your student to practice by asking to listen to something he or she is working on. Even if you don’t have a musical background, you can probably pick out areas that need some attention. Checking for progress at home can help teach your student accountability.
6. Stay in contact with your student's teacher.
Ms. Shuman will be able to tell you what your student is doing well, and what they need to work on. This can help you assist your student at home so he or she is most successful. You can contact Ms. Shuman any time to talk about your student's progress. Also, try to stay on top of information that's communicated through email, letters home, and this website.
7. Take your student to live performances.
Hearing live performances by great musicians can help your student improve without formally practicing - it can train their ears to listen better and play more musically. There are many excellent bands and orchestras nearby, which you can often hear for free. For example, the N.E.W. Concert Band, UW-Green Bay, St. Norbert College, and Lawrence University often have concerts on weekends for little or no cost.
8. Ask your student if she or he needs any supplies.
A properly maintained instrument is essential to performing well. Does your student have cork grease, valve oil, a tuner, a metronome? Ask your student often if he or she needs any supplies - they even make great stocking stuffers! Instruments also need to be maintained periodically - your student’s instrument should be taken to a music store for a check-up at least once per year.
9. Consider a "step-up" instrument.
Most students start out on a beginner level instrument, but by high school, they often outgrow (in physical size and ability) that instrument. It might be worthwhile to consider an intermediate-level instrument for your student. If a new instrument isn't feasible, try looking at an upgraded mouthpiece or barrel. You can always speak with Ms. Shuman about the possibility of trying out an intermediate or pro-level instrument.
10. DON’T LET YOUR STUDENT GIVE UP.
Perseverance and the importance of following through can be the most important life skills you ever teach your student. In any activity, there are difficult days or even weeks. In all parts of life, remind your student that with patience and hard work, things will get better, and they will be stronger for sticking with it. They will thank you for it later!