At the Baker Piano Studio, located near Lincoln Center in New York City,
I make a point of keeping piano lessons both engaging and fun. Classical,
popular, baroque, and jazz-inspired musical styles are explored, for each
style enhances your child’s musical education. Students learn to
cultivate a relaxed and expressive approach to making music at the keyboard.
Learning to play the piano is much more than a hobby – when children learn how to focus their energy and attention to achieve musical goals, they acquire self-mastery that can be applied to all aspects of their life.
Piano lessons encompass:
• good posture and hand position
• recognizing musical symbols
• sight reading
• repertoire
• rhythm and harmony
• playing ‘by ear’.
As the student progresses, piano lessons also explore musical structure, improvisation, composition, conducting, and music history. Students are shown how to practice in an effective manner, and leave the lesson invigorated, knowing exactly how to prepare for the next lesson.
Because the parent’s support and encouragement is essential, I keep parents closely involved. During the first few piano lessons the parent often sits near the piano and participates so they can better guide their child’s practice at home. When parents, teacher, and child are united in the adventure of learning, great things can happen.
Living in New York City provides a wonderful opportunity to experience musical and cultural events, and I encourage students to attend live performances and perform for family and friends. I provide opportunity for student recitals in a supportive setting. Music festivals and competitions are available for those who wish to participate.
Piano lessons for children ages 5 to 6 are 30 minutes, and for children 7 to 9 piano lessons are 45 minutes. For more information about lessons and availability, email or call me at 917-526-2253.
I look forward to meeting you and your child for piano lessons!
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
Without exception, successful students have parents who are actively engaged
with their child’s progress. Providing continuing, loving encouragement
can make all the difference. When piano teacher, student, and parent are
unified in the goal of achieving musical progress, amazing results can
follow. Here are some practical tips for parents who want to know how
they can contribute to their child’s musical progress.
SETTING THE STAGE
Coordinate with your family to schedule the best time for your child’s daily practice. Practicing only “when I’m in the mood” will not bring good results. Plan a 7-day practice schedule that the student and family can rely upon.
Place the piano or keyboard in a room without TV or computer distraction. If that arrangement is not possible, then it essential to have the TV turned off during the practice session: a noisy environment and disruptions by others will frustrate your child’s attempts to focus on their music study.
Good lighting is essential for your child’s learning ability. Over-head room lighting is not adequate. Lighting that shines directly on the music is required. If headphones are used with a keyboard, make sure they are not heavy and annoying, but light-weight and of good quality.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
If your child becomes discouraged or frustrated, ask them to play for you. Listen appreciatively, and compliment their skill without appearing to be patronizing. You many ask your child to play for others as a way of providing them with performance opportunities, but never force them if they do not want to.
Playing the piano takes time and effort, and developing
an artistic skill has several benefits: it improves overall academic performance
in school; cultivates pride of accomplishment; develops character through
sustained determination that is required for many tasks throughout life.
Frequently let your child know that his or her daily practice has your
earnest appreciation and moral support.
A MUSICAL HOUSEHOLD
Children learn through imitation of their social environment, so include
active appreciation of music and the arts in your family life, including
exposure to concerts, recitals, ballet, opera, musicals, and live theater.
Helping your child build a CD collection is also an excellent way to encourage
their musical awareness. Low-cost CDs of both classical and popular music
are available over the Internet. Consult your child’s teacher for
suggestions of what music may be of interest to your child. Make time
to be with your child and listen together to CDs, because this teaches
listening skills as well as artistic appreciation.
COMMUNICATION
Keep in touch with the piano teacher, either before or after the lesson,
as well as by phone and email. Questions are always welcome, and feedback
is encouraged.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
How You Fit In
Always keep in mind that your support is a key element in your child's
success with piano lessons. Music achievement requires effort over a period
of time.
You can help your child by:
• Scheduling Practice Times: Write out a 7-day practice schedule, with 30 minutes per day for beginners. 45 to 60 minutes for intermediate.
• Providing a quiet place in which to practice.
• Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible with young children. Teenagers require more independence.
• Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice.
• Praising your child's efforts and achievements.
What To Do
To give your child the best possible support, you should:
• Encourage your child to play for family and
for friends.
• Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts
and recitals.
• Encourage your child to talk with you about his or her lessons.
• Make sure your child's instrument is always in good working order.
• Allow your child to play many types of music, not just study pieces.
• Listen to your child practice, and acknowledge improvement.
• Help your child build a personal music library.
• Try to get your child to make a minimum two-year commitment to
his or her music studies.
What Not To Do
Your child's progress will be greatly enhanced if you...
• Don't use practice as a punishment.
• Don't insist your child play for others when they don't want to.
• Don't ridicule or make fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing.
• Don't apologize to others for your child's weak performance.
• Don't start your child on an instrument that's in poor working
order or condition.
• Don't expect rapid progress and development in the beginning.
If Your Child Loses Interest
In the event your child loses interest in his or her music studies, don't panic.
• Discuss the situation with your child to determine
why their interest is declining.
• Talk to your child's music teacher to see what might be done to
rekindle their enthusiasm.
• Encourage your child to stick with lessons for an agreed period
of time.
• Offer increased enthusiasm and support.
Tips for Parents was developed by the following organizations
in the interest of making music study and participation an enjoyable and
richly rewarding experience for children and their families.
* American Music Conference
* Music Educators National Conference
* Music Teachers National Association
* National Association of Music Merchants
For more information about lessons and availability, contact Jonathan Baker at 212-874-7578 or jonathanbaker@nyc.rr.com.
Jonathan Baker • Piano Teacher • Piano Lessons • New York City (NYC, Upper West Side) • 917-526-2253 • www.bakerpianolessons.com