INFORMATION FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG PIANISTS

What every parent of a young pianist should know...

The Say & Play Method has been developed over the last six years to address a flaw in current music keyboard teaching methods.

Whilst many children access piano, organ or keyboard lessons during their school years, very few actually develop the reading skills necessary to carry into a lifetime of music making.

The aim of the Say & Play program is to teach reading strategies and practice habits that will ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to achieve a high level of proficiency.

In order to accomplish this students must be able to:

• Maintain eye contact with the written music at least 90% of the time.
• Know exactly what keys are under their hands at all times.
• Have excellent literal and intervallic note reading skills.
• Know how to read the Grand staff successfully.

How you can help your child...

Provide an instrument of suitable quality with correct seating and lighting.

Sit in on lessons if possible. A knowledgeable parent, who is aware of the teachers expectations for home practice, is a great asset to their child.

Most importantly, ensure that the following practice habits are maintained at home:

• Read your child's note book carefully after each lesson and ensure that he or she understands what is expected.
• Insist that regular every day practice becomes a habit.
• Keep the hands covered in the early years of training.
• Make sure your child is reading aloud during the practice. It is not practice if you can't hear them reading aloud. (Verbalising is the secret of success of the Say & Play method).
• Use the flash cards to teach and test their note reading skills every day.
• Make sure once your child is working in Book 3 (harmonic reading) that he or she never practises separate hands unless directed by the teacher.
• Praise and reward every positive habit your child develops.

The importance of parental involvement...

Parents are the critical link in the success of most students' piano studies.

Investing a little of your time by providing an informed and supportive environment at home in the early years of tuition will bring its own rewards. Your financial investment in your child's future will be safe guarded by you, and your child will, in time, have life long pleasure and enjoyment out of the piano.