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Supporting your student musician's practice is crucial for their growth and development as an artist. As a parent or guardian, your encouragement and involvement play a vital role in fostering their passion and dedication. By offering the right kind of support, you can help your student musician navigate the challenges of practice and achieve their full potential. This article will discuss the top five ways to effectively support your young musician's practice journey.
1. Create a Structured Practice Routine Establishing a structured practice routine is the foundation of progress and improvement for any musician. Please work with your student to set a consistent schedule accommodating their other commitments, such as school and extracurricular activities. Having a designated practice time each day helps instill discipline and makes practicing feel like a regular part of their routine. Please encourage your student to break down their practice sessions into manageable segments, focusing on specific techniques, scales, or pieces. This approach prevents overwhelming them and allows for steady progress in mastering their instrument. 2. Provide a Dedicated Practice Space A designated practice space can significantly enhance your student musician's focus and productivity. Create a quiet and well-lit area where they can comfortably practice without distractions. A suitable practice space will enable them to concentrate on their instrument, helping them refine their skills and build concentration. Additionally, keep their instruments well-maintained and easily accessible. This encourages spontaneous practice and ensures they will save time setting up before each session. 3. Show Interest and Attend Performances Demonstrate your interest in your student musician's progress by engaging with their music. Attend their performances, whether it's a school recital or a community event, and provide constructive feedback afterward. Your encouragement and support during these occasions will boost their confidence and inspire them to continue growing as musicians. Moreover, engage in conversations about music, ask them what they are working on, and express genuine curiosity about their musical journey. Showing interest in their practice and progress will strengthen your bond and foster a positive learning environment. 4. Encourage Them to Set Goals Setting realistic and achievable goals is a crucial aspect of practice. Please encourage your student to set short-term and long-term objectives for their musical journey. Short-term goals include learning a specific song, mastering a challenging technique, or improving sight-reading skills. Long-term goals involve participating in a competition, auditioning for an ensemble, or recording their music. Help your student break down their goals into smaller milestones, celebrating their achievements. This approach promotes a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to stay committed to their practice routine. 5. Emphasize the Importance of Patience and Persistence Learning an instrument can be challenging, and it's essential to emphasize the value of patience and persistence. Please encourage your student musician to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and not get discouraged. Remind them that progress may not always be linear and setbacks are natural. Celebrate the effort they put into their practice, not just the results. Acknowledging their hard work and dedication, you help them develop a growth mindset, which is crucial for long-term success in music and beyond. Supporting your student musician's practice is an investment in their personal and artistic growth. By creating a structured practice routine, providing a dedicated practice space, and showing genuine interest in their musical journey, you can inspire them to excel. Please encourage them to set goals, stay patient, and persist, even face challenges. Remember, your unwavering support and belief in their abilities will drive their musical success. For more information about music lessons and setting up solid practice routines with Note-worthy Experiences, please contact us at 978.443.0480 or [email protected]. For music students, progress lies in the lessons and the consistent effort they put in between sessions. Practicing between lessons is the key to honing your skills, developing muscle memory, and deepening your understanding of music. However, it's not just about spending hours with your instrument; effective practice makes the difference. This article explores eight essential tips to help music students make the most out of their practice sessions between lessons.
2. Create a Structured Practice Routine Consistency is critical to progress. Establish a structured practice routine that works for your schedule. Divide your practice time into smaller sessions, focusing on different aspects of music (e.g., scales, exercises, repertoire). Consistent practice will help reinforce learning and prevent gaps in your musical development. 3. Warm-Up Regularly Warming up before practice is crucial for preventing injuries and getting your muscles ready to play. Start with gentle stretches, finger exercises, or vocal warm-ups, depending on your instrument. These warm-ups will help improve your flexibility, dexterity, and overall performance. 4. Break Down Difficult Passages When you encounter challenging sections in a piece, don't get discouraged. Break them down into smaller segments and practice them slowly. Work on perfecting each element before gradually increasing the tempo. Patience and persistence are vital during this process. 5. Record Yourself Recording your practice sessions can be an invaluable tool for self-assessment. Listen to your recordings to identify areas that need improvement, such as intonation, timing, or dynamics. This feedback loop will enable you to make targeted adjustments and track progress. 6. Practice Mindfully Mindful practice involves total concentration and focus on the task at hand. Avoid mindlessly going through the motions. Instead, be present during practice, paying attention to your technique, tone, and musical expression. This mindful approach will help you internalize the music and develop a deeper connection with your instrument. 7. Experiment with Interpretation Music is an art form that allows for individual interpretation. While learning a piece, experiment with different phrasing, dynamics, and tempos to find what resonates with you. Don't be afraid to express your emotions through the music, as this personal touch will make your performances more compelling and authentic. 8. Review Previous Lessons Revisit the concepts and pieces covered in previous lessons to reinforce your learning. Refreshing your memory will solidify your understanding of the material and help you progress faster. Additionally, discussing any challenges or questions with your music teacher during the next lesson will enable you to receive timely guidance. Practicing between music lessons is the key to unlocking your full potential as a musician. You can make significant strides in your musical journey by setting clear goals, maintaining a structured routine, and practicing mindfully. Remember that progress may not always be linear, and it's okay to encounter obstacles along the way. Embrace the learning process, stay patient, and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. With dedication and a passion for music, you will continue to grow and evolve as a musician, turning each practice session into a stepping stone toward excellence. Happy practicing! For more information, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 978.443.0480. Life is an endless symphony, and music, with its enchanting notes and harmonious melodies, has the power to add vibrant colors to our journey. While many believe that music lessons are best suited for young and impressionable minds, the truth is that age is no barrier when it comes to pursuing a musical dream. Whether you're a teenager, an adult, or a seasoned senior, it is never too late to embark on a musical journey. In this article, we will explore the myriad of reasons why it's always possible to start music lessons and how the transformative power of music can enrich your life.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-Being Studies have shown that engaging in musical activities can profoundly affect mental and emotional well-being. Learning music helps stimulate the brain, improve memory, and enhance cognitive functions. It can also be a creative outlet, reducing stress and anxiety and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Music lessons provide a space where adults can channel their emotions, rejuvenate their spirits, and find solace amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. 3. Fulfillment and Self-Expression In today's fast-paced world, many adults are caught up in routine and responsibilities, often sacrificing their passions. Learning music allows for self-expression and self-discovery, creating a sense of fulfillment that may have been lost over the years. It's a chance to rediscover the joy of learning, progressing, and achieving personal goals while embracing the art of music. 4. Connect with Others Music has an incredible ability to bring people together. By joining music lessons as an adult, you open yourself to new social circles and interactions. Whether connecting with fellow musicians, forming a band, or joining a community choir, music provides an avenue for building meaningful relationships. It's an opportunity to bond over shared interests and collaborate on creative projects, creating lasting friendships that may have remained undiscovered. 5. An Outlet for Growth and Exploration Learning music as an adult can be an adventurous journey of growth and exploration. It's a chance to step outside your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and cultivate a growth mindset. Embracing new skills and overcoming obstacles can be incredibly empowering, boosting your confidence and resilience in all aspects of life. 6. Age is a Unique Advantage Your life experiences can be a unique advantage in your musical pursuits as an adult. Your emotional depth and understanding of life's complexities enrich your interpretations of music. You can infuse your performances with a depth of feeling and maturity that is uniquely yours, making your musical journey even more authentic and meaningful. There is always time to start music lessons. Music has a magical ability to breathe life into our souls, and embarking on a musical journey as an adult can be a transformative and fulfilling experience. Whether you've dreamt of playing an instrument, singing on stage, or simply delving deeper into the world of music, take that leap of faith. Embrace the melody of life and let the music guide you to a world of self-discovery, joy, and connection with others. Remember, the most beautiful symphonies are composed of notes from all walks of life, and yours is an essential part of the grand masterpiece. So, pick up that instrument, warm up your vocal cords, and let the music lead the way! For more information about lessons, contact us at [email protected] or 978.443.0480. Music has the remarkable ability to transcend language barriers, evoke emotions, and bring people together. Beyond its artistic and expressive qualities, music also plays a crucial role in shaping and developing social skills. This article will explore music's profound impact on social development and highlight its importance in fostering meaningful connections, empathy, and collaboration.
Music is a powerful tool that enriches our lives artistically and plays a significant role in developing social skills. Music offers many benefits in social development, from enhancing emotional intelligence and empathy to promoting effective communication, teamwork, and self-confidence. By actively engaging with music, individuals can cultivate meaningful connections, foster empathy, and create harmonious relationships in their personal and professional lives. So, let the transformative power of music resonate within you, striking the chords of connection and enriching your social journey. For more information about music lessons with Note-worthy Experiences, contact us at [email protected] or 978.443.0480. When a child shows interest and talent in music, it's essential to provide them with the support and encouragement they need to develop their skills. Supporting child musicians at home helps them grow as musicians and instills a lifelong love for music. This article will explore eight impactful ways to foster a nurturing environment and support your child's musical journey at home.
Supporting a child musician at home involves creating a nurturing environment that fosters their passion for music. By providing a dedicated space, encouraging regular practice, attending lessons, and exposing them to diverse musical experiences, you can help them flourish as musicians. Your active involvement, appreciation, and celebration of their achievements will nurture their confidence, inspire their growth, and create a lifelong love for music. So, let your home be a symphony of support, guiding your child's musical journey to new heights. For more information about music lessons with Note-worthy Experiences, contact us at [email protected] or 978.443.0480. Private music lessons offer a unique and personalized approach to music education that can significantly enhance a student's musical journey. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician looking to sharpen your skills, private music lessons provide numerous advantages that cater to your needs and goals. This article will explore the top six reasons private music lessons are valuable to your musical development.
For more information about music lessons with Note-worthy Experiences, contact us at [email protected] or 978.443.0480 Top 5 reasons why your child should participate in a music recital:
For more information on our students music recitals, check out our upcoming events at https://www.note-worthyexperiences.com/music-events.html and don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 978.443.0480. By: Renee Bordner NWE Music Studio Director As the studio owner, as a piano teacher and as a mom I am often asked when is a good time for someone to start music lessons. I am often asked if a child is too young or a senior citizen is too old. I am happy to address this question here but if you have additional questions, please contact me directly. I am happy to discuss your specific situation and help guide you in deciding what is best.
For me, the answer is very simple. If someone is excited and interested in learning then that is the perfect time or age to learn. Students are never too old! Sometimes students are too young for private one on one lessons and may be more appropriate for a group music and movement setting. I do suggest starting very young students off with shorter lessons and an instructor who specializes in working with beginner students. We do not have set semesters and required numbers of lessons for students for these very reasons. Not all students' needs and interests fit neatly into semesters and lesson packages. I feel it is best for a student to start lessons when they are ready and interested even if it is in the middle of an academic grading period. Another question I am often asked is how long of a lesson should my student have. I typically recommend a half hour lesson for a beginner student and then increase the lesson time after a student shows signs of readiness. To me signs of readiness include when a student says things like, "But wait I want to show you this!", when a student is still asking more questions that are relevant to the lesson even after the lesson is over or when a student simply does not have enough material to practice throughout the week. In our Frequently Asked Questions section of our website, you can also see our team's recommendations on lengths of lessons. http://www.note-worthyexperiences.com/faqs.html these recommendations are truly recommendations and not set rules for our students. I always suggest discussing increasing lesson lengths with your instructor to weigh the benefits and discuss expectations. I am also always happy to discuss lesson plans, lesson readiness and goals for students at any time. Feel free to reach out to me to chat further. By: Maria PriceWhether or not you celebrate any of the upcoming holidays, the end of the year is a great time to reflect with your student about his or her musical journey so far, and set goals for the year ahead. It may also be a great time to ask if your student is ready and willing to perform for friends and family, to show what pieces they have learned or the progress they have made.
Below is a list of some musical accessories that can greatly enhance your student’s home practice and lesson time. Other items are there just for fun! I also encourage you to check out local brick-and-mortar music stores like Leonard's, Johnson String, Spencer Brook Strings, and Strike Up the Band. These places have great selections of sheet music and also fun music-themed accessories and gifts. Plus, you’ll be supporting small businesses in your area. -- ALL INSTRUMENTS -- Lesson Notebook - This is a system that I use with my students. I encourage other students and instructors to give it a try! I ask all my private lesson students to keep a small notebook like this one in their case. Ideally, it would be small enough to fit in their case or their case pocket. This allows me to write down what we covered in the lesson, and to write down their practice assignment. It is beneficial to me as a teacher, as it allows me to keep track of my students’ progress, and it is beneficial to the students, as they will be able to remember exactly what to work on in the time between lessons. They can also use it to log their own practice time and playing goals. Parents can also check their students’ notebooks to see what they are currently working on. The notebook is also a great place to put stickers, which I use with some of my younger students. The notebook doesn’t have to be the version in the link above. Any small notebook you have around the house is fine. They can choose one for themselves to make it more personal and fun! Music Stand - A music stand is extremely important for at-home practice. Many students start with a cheap foldable wire stand, but those can be extremely flimsy and can hardly hold anything more than a few sheets of paper. The stand in the link I’ve given is portable, but also very sturdy. Here is another great option that many of my students use. If you’re looking for a professional-quality music stand, the Manhasset brand will not let you down! (not as portable, although I have brought it in the backseat of my car at times for gigs!) Electronic Tuner - Great for home practice for all instruments, but especially for strings students who can tune independently, or are learning to tune. This is a solid brand at an inexpensive price. However, if your student has a device he or she regularly uses like a smartphone or tablet, you can download a free tuner app. The one I use is called Tuner Lite by Piascore, but there are many similar ones out there. Metronome - Essential for all musicians! Playing in time to a steady beat helps with rhythm, temporal awareness, and ensemble skills. While Korg is a very reliable brand, free metronome apps are also widely available for smartphones or tablets. You can also simply Google “Online Metronome.” I use an app called Pro Metronome (Free Edition). If you like the look of an old-school metronome (which has appeal as a decorative item), you may want to get one like this. NoteSpeller Books - I highly encourage these books for my private lesson students. They are workbooks that include lots of exercises meant to increase skills of reading music notation. Every week, I assign a few pages from the workbook for the student to fill out. I’ve noticed that it really helps students improve their music reading skills. NoteSpeller for Violin NoteSpeller for Viola NoteSpeller for Trumpet -- TRUMPET -- Trumpet Stand - This is the best $25 I’ve spent in my 20 years playing trumpet. This fits in the bell of the trumpet and the legs fold out. Students can place their trumpet on the floor during lessons, band rehearsals, or practice time. It avoids students trying to balance the trumpet on its bell (which never stays upright and could lead to a trip to the repair shop to get some dents out!), placing the trumpet on their chair (also a risky move), or on the floor (asking for trouble!) You can shop around for a better deal if you like, but the brand I recommend is K&M. This is my #1 recommendation for my trumpet students! Trumpet Practice Mute - Insert into the bell and the sound is GREATLY reduced. Helpful if your student wants to practice something like scales or fingerings but doesn’t want to disturb anyone. TRUMPET LESSON BOOKS/SONGBOOKS (This list is by no means exhaustive. I encourage you and your child to use this as a springboard to find method books or songbooks that work best. I encourage students to have at least one “serious” method book for their lessons and one “fun” book to keep them motivated to play.) My First Arban’s Book - Best for students in grades 4-8. Great book for scales, exercises, warm-ups, duets, and pieces. The Arban’s Complete Conservatory Method for Trumpet - THE trumpet book for intermediate to advanced high school students. The B-flat Real Book - Best suited for high school students who are interested in pursuing jazz seriously The Big Book of Christmas Songs for Trumpet - for fun! Beginner to Intermediate Easy Duets from Around the World for Trumpets - Beginner to Intermediate The Big Book of Disney Songs for Trumpet - Beginner to Intermediate -- VIOLIN/VIOLA -- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth - After a lesson, rehearsal, or practice session, it’s important to wipe off the violin or viola. Wipe off any sweat from your hands, and also wipe off the rosin from the strings. It’s great to have a cloth like this in your case. Everest Shoulder Rest - This is my favorite brand of shoulder rest. If you are looking for an upgrade, this is a fantastic brand! Just make sure you get the appropriate size (½, ¾, etc.) Many of their shoulder rests are adjustable, so if you currently have a ¾ size violin, it will be able to adjust to accommodate a full size violin as well. Bow Hold Buddy - For beginners, or older students who may struggle with bow hold. If your child needs or wants a little extra support with the bow hold, this tool is great! It does require loosening the screw and removing the frog of the bow, so I usually put it on for students during lessons. Otherwise I recommend that it be put on carefully by an adult. Comes in a variety of colors! BowRight - This device fits onto the violin and helps to keep the bow straight and parallel to the bridge. If your student is struggling with keeping the bow straight, this might be a worthwhile purchase for home practice and developing good habits. BowRight (¼ - ½ size) BowRight (¾ - full size) Practice Mute - a very inexpensive practice mute. Place it over the bridge to dull the sound. This helps to cut down the volume and resonance. Great if your student wants to practice without disturbing other people, or if they are a bit self-conscious about their practicing and want to sound quieter. Note that the link is for a full size (4/4) practice mute. VIOLIN LESSON BOOKS/SONGBOOKS For private lessons, I use the Suzuki method. These are great books for developing technique through enjoyable repertoire that gets progressively more challenging. As a supplement, here are some suggestions for developing technique, or just to have some fun with practicing. (This list is by no means exhaustive. I encourage you and your child to use this as a springboard to find method books or songbooks that work best. I usually encourage students to have at least one “serious” method book for their lessons and one “fun” book) Easy Violin Duets for Beginner to Intermediate Players 101 Christmas Songs for the Violin (Beginner to Intermediate) 101 Disney Songs for the Violin (Beginner to Intermediate) 101 Hit Songs for the Violin (Beginner to Intermediate) 101 Movie Hits for the Violin (Beginner to Intermediate) Christmas Melodies for Violin Solo (for Intermediate Players) Easy Songs for Shifting in the First Five Positions - for students who are learning how to shift on the Violin Solos for Young Violinists, Volume 1 - for intermediate players Written by Maria Price, Violin/Viola/Trumpet/Ukulele Instructor at Note-Worthy Experiences. By: Rachel StroiaEarlier this year, Note-worthy embarked on the project of collecting teaching philosophies from all of our teachers. We know that all of our teachers are unique in their teaching styles and goals. Reading a teacher's biography can sometimes not be sufficient information to decide if that teacher is a good fit for your student. We asked ourselves how we could make more focused information about out teachers available to families searching for music teachers. Just as every teacher has a different teaching style, every family has a different requirement for their own musical journey. We asked our teachers to write a teaching philosophy so that we could understand their motives, inspirations, and goals, not just their achievements. The results surpassed our expectations. Not only did we learn about individual teaching styles and methods, but we also discovered the wealth of diversity that the teachers at Note-worthy offer.
One teacher said, "I teach students to focus on achieving the sensations of healthy singing, rather than making judgments about the resulting sounds, which can often be instinctively negative, rather than objective and analytical. Once we free ourselves from negative judgments, singing becomes healthier, more creative, AND more fun! I ask students to view lessons and practice as science experiments; be playful and observant and the beautiful sounds will happen." Another, "My teaching philosophy is to instill a state of constant wonder and curiosity for music of all forms." Another, “"Whether teaching voice or piano, my primary goal is to help students see music as a creative, individual, and fun process! Through my positive and gentle guidance which includes invaluable tools like healthy vocal or piano technique, musical literacy, improvisation and ear training, and appropriate repertoire, I hope to help cultivate a lifelong love of music in my students that keeps them learning and experimenting for years to come." Our teachers bring a wealth of experience from some of the best music schools in the county. But more than that, they bring a passion to share their love of music with others and to inspire a life-long love of music in their students. For more teacher philosophies, please visit our Meet our Teachers page. Rachel Stroia is the Office Manager at Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio. In addition to working at Note-worthy, she is also a student at Suffolk University and enjoys reading and cooking. |
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About UsNote-worthy Experiences Music Studio®, located at 75 Witherell Drive Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776 provides private in-home and online/virtual music lessons in the Boston MetroWest area of Massachusetts.
We also offer private and group lessons at Nashoba Brooks School, Newton Country Day School, and the First Parish of Sudbury. Contact Renee Bordner at 978.443.0480 or [email protected]. or schedule a time here https://calendly.com/rbordner-note-worthyexperiences/30min Not a member of our studio yet? Join our mailing list to receive news and updates! All Copyrights Reserved (c) 2015-2025
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