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Role of parents

 

 

Learning an instrument is extremely challenging and demanding on the young person.

Not only are there physical components but also many mental and emotional components.

Taken from the Suzuki Method, Catherine's Studio expects parents to support their children by being a:​

1. Motivator

Motivation is an extremely delicate but fundamental part of learning an instrument and often the most talented students quit prematurely simply because the parents left the responsibility to the child for their own motivation. This should not be the case as children are not able to create their own environments. The teacher will also be able to assist in this aspect but the parent must also share this responsibility to keep the teacher accountable. Group lessons, ensembles and regular performances all assist in the motivation of the child.

2. Supporter
To "support" is to aide when difficult. Children will undoubtedly find many tasks set by teachers to be difficult and being young will not have developed the attitude or resilience to persevere. As a "supporter" you can attend lessons and ask questions to help assist practice sessions, help the student be accountable for practice at home by setting routines together and assisting the practice environment (click below to learn what you can keep students accountable to). Sharing your time and energy during practice, concerts, workshops, lessons and so on, shows the child that "it IS difficult" and "it IS important". Most importantly, they are empowered knowing they "are supported". 
3. Encourager

Parents are not teachers, but aide the teacher by placing importance on the teacher's requests, and assisting in homework at home. Parents should only ever use positive and engaged language when commenting on their children's playing as this will deeply affect the way the child views him/herself. Parents should not speak condescendingly to the child, side with the teacher or compare the child with other students but should involve and expose the child to rich and inspiring environments. Sharing experiences and engaging in the learning is the most impacting what to encourage. 

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