Everything is so new to beginning piano students that they may not be aware of simple measures they can take to dramatically improve their progress over the next year. Too often students compare themselves to experts they see on television and their teacher. Parents can help their beginner at home take a realistic look at what goes on behind the scenes to achieve the progress students want to make in a way that doesnt hurt kids feelings. Here are 7 ways beginning students can do this by taking a look at their

1. Practice Environment

The practice environment will do one of two things. It will either support learning or detract from it. Make a list of things in the environment that support learning and then those that create distractions. Kids tend to self-distract a lot so the environment needs to be as helpful as possible. Turn off the television, friends come over to play after practice, no food at the piano, piano books shouldnt be scattered all over the floor, but organized, etc.

2. Daily Schedule

Beginners, just like advanced students, need a routine to keep their piano promises to themselves. Substitute the word Commitment for Routine and youll see what I mean.

3. Practice Session

To make more progress over the next year simply increase daily practice by 10 minutes. This helps students become accustomed to longer periods of practice gradually. Small incremental changes are much effective because they lead to growth instead of short-term success followed by burn out.

4. Music Assignments

If students are following the above steps they will enjoy the reward of learning a new piece of music every week. Over the course of a year thats 52 songs!

5. Knowledge

Make a list of music knowledge that needs to be memorized. Make copies of this information and keep it handy. Or purchase additional music theory or note reading workbooks. Beginners can take advantage of their time riding around in the car or waiting for dinner in a restaurant to memorize some useful music facts.

6. Goals

Setting goals is a powerful tool. All human behavior is goal driven so staying focused on the goals that are most important over the long run is essential to help beginners reach their musical dreams. Piano recitals are often viewed as tests by students, but they are really just a tool to help students set goals. Students learn more when they have goals to reach.

7. Experience

Following the above 7 steps will give beginning students more experience. Another way to increase musical experience is by listening to other musicians. Making a commitment to attend the symphony or a piano concert once a month or buying a new piano CD will help your beginner increase their musical experience and develop their listening ears.

These 7 New Year Resolutions will set at example for students to improve on year after year. By striving to make what goes on behind the scenes at home line up with their piano dreams students achieve the progress they want to make and feel good about their piano lessons. Start now by looking at which of the above 7 improvements you could most quickly implement in your own home - and do it today!

Cynthia VanLandingham

Cynthia VanLandingham's Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources create an exciting musical adventure for children ages 5 to 11. Visit PianoAdventureBears.com for free samples of her Piano Adventure Story Books and piano resources for children. She is also the author of The Wonder Guide to Creativity.

Cynthia has been teaching piano in Tallahassee, Florida for 20 years and is the owner of TallyPiano & Keyboard Studios. She is a member of the American College of Musicians National Guild of Piano Teachers, the President of TallyPiano Enterprises, LLC, and a graduate of the Florida State University College of Education. Visit her website at TallyPiano.com to download her original, uplifting piano compositions, including "The Potter's Wheel." While you're there subscribe to her free internet newsletter, Piano Matters, and read the Wonder Guide to Creativity Online.

When you subscribe, you'll receive instant access to the Piano Article Archives, and Free Piano Sheet Music. These articles are full of helpful ideas and tips for piano students and parents. Email your questions or ideas for new articles and Cynthia will respond right away.

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