The relationship between student, teacher and parent is very important to successful music education. Each party has their own roles to play. They have to put in equal effort and cooperate with each other to achieve an effective learning process.
For example, if the teacher is keen on teaching and the parent is willing to support the child through their music education, but the child is not interested nor putting in any effort, then there would be a barrier in the learning process. Another way would be that the child is interested in learning music, but the parent makes the decision to stop their music lessons. There is nothing that the teacher can do even if the teacher is dedicated in teaching the child. The final example would be both parent and child are very keen in music education, but meets a teacher who lacks the desire to teach. All these 3 examples are situations where the “Student, Teacher, Parent” triangle fails to connect, therefore causing a disruption in the music education.
STUDENT
Students who are interested in learning music should put in their effort by allocating time for daily practices, completing theory work and preparing themselves for the next lesson. In that way, there will always be new things to be learnt in the upcoming lesson.
It is important for the student to remember bringing their lesson materials, such as, instrument (excluding piano), lesson books, stationery and other necessities so that the lesson may progress smoothly.
Never be afraid to ask questions during the lesson. If you have questions on days when there are no lessons, write it down and take note to ask your teacher during the next lesson.
Determination and enthusiasm will help you to get through the highs and lows of music learning. These are positive attitudes which will motivate yourself, and inspire your parents and teacher.
Persistence is definitely another important attribute to have. Students who are persistent will achieve far more than those who are just talented.
Always give your full concentration during lessons and pay attention to what the teacher says. Constant daily practices will develop and improve your skills.
PARENT
Having encouragement from the parents is a child’s greatest motivational tool to perform their best in their studies.
Parents should also encourage family members and friends to be understanding of the child’s practice sessions. Such as, allowing the child to practice in an environment which is free from distractions.
Looking through your child’s assignment notebook after every lesson, is always good so that you can keep track of what your child has to practice and prepare for the next lesson.
Lack of practice or preparation for a lesson, shouldn’t be a reason for your child to skip a lesson. There will always be something to learn every lesson time.
There will sometimes be days when the child doesn’t feel like practising. It is alright to have rest days occasionally.
Do let your child explore their instrument by creating different sounds. This will bring out their creativity and listening skills.
Frequent short practice sessions are often more effective than one long session as childen may lose concentration if the practice session is too long.
Parents are the ones who make the decision on what is important in their child’s life, such as values, discipline and usage of time. Parents also decide how much priority they want to put into their child’s music education. Depending on how much importance is put onto the music lessons, the results will also be in proportion. Therefore, the more time and effort is put into the child’s music education, the more results will be received in return.
On a final note, be honest on giving comments regarding your child’s performance. It is best not to give false praises.
TEACHER
Every teacher has his/her own style and approach to teaching. Regardless of this, the teacher will try their best to find the most effective way to work with each student. Lessons will be conducted to suit every individual student’s needs as each and every one of them has unique talents and abilities.
Progress from students are monitored through feedback from the teacher to the parents and students.
A proper programme of music theory, instrumental technique and musicianship will be taught to all students, though students may have to attend more than just one regular music lesson, to ensure that they will be equipped with the required knowledge and skills to advance to the next level.