SKDS BANDS               Parents and Guardians               

How often does my child need to practice?
It is especially crucial in the beginning that children practice every day, for at least 15 minutes. Consistency (practicing every day) is much, much more important than total number of minutes practiced.  Consistent practice will give your child

• quick progress
• a solid foundation to build on in years to come
• increasing confidence
• increased interest in band because of self-confidence
• more progress
• more self-confidence 
• and more progress!

Kids who practice consistently SUCCEED Regardless of inborn talent!!

What are my responsiblities as the parent/guardian? 

• Provide your child with an instrument and accessories, a music stand, and a quiet place with a straight-back chair to practice on a daily basis.
• If your child is moving between homes, make sure everyone works to make a plan so your student can practice in both homes.
• Take an interest in your child's improvement. Comment on his or her progress. You will be amazed how much your student accomplishes by Christmas!
• Help your child manage their new responsibility in the beginning. Ask your band student to make a practice schedule each week, and hold him or her accountable to it.
• Enjoy the music! You will be amazed come Christmas.

Isn't practicing his/her responsibility?
Eventually, remembering to practice will be your child's responsibility- but not yet. Students this age are not ready for this big responsibility without some guidance, expectations, and "checking up" from their families. You will need to help them set up a weekly schedule for practice, and hold them accountable to it. Practicing should be like homework. Once the school year starts, allow two days off per week (plus the day of their lesson), and schedule those ahead of time. Most students will find taking two days off becomes a necessity when sports start.  However, students involved in sports and other activities can and should learn how to schedule their time to include practice, just as they make time for homework. And in the beginning (and for many students all the way through 8th grade), they will need you to help them manage all these activities. Kids these days are very busy and have many scheduled events- what a great opportunity we have to teach them how to manage all these activities and still excel in school.                                                                                                       

• Make a weekly calendar and STICK TO IT! Choose two days off ahead of time- pick days that are already packed practices and other activities. Now your student must stick to the schedule for the week. This is a good way to teach your child responsibility and planning ahead.

• Practice before lunch on the weekends. Weekends somehow slip away till Sunday evening at 9:00, when suddenly children realize they have homework! Practicing before lunch gets it out of the way.

• Make sure your student has a proper place to practice including a hard chair (not the couch), a music stand, and some peace and quiet.

• Show some interest. Make sure to tell them when you hear improvement. Occasionally tell your student to practice a song to play for you in 10 minutes. In 10 minutes sit down and  give him or her your undivided attention for that song.

• Celebrate his/her talent.  Enjoy the days when your home is filled with the sound of music!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        top of page