Responsibilities.

Details

Published on Friday, 08 October 2004 17:00

Written by Simon Cole

Student Responsibilities:

1. Practice at least 5 days a week. Beginners for a minimum of 30 minutes. More advanced students for as long as it takes to do the assigned work, typically 1 hour or more.
2. Practice with a metronome using a specific practice technique as outlined on the How to practice page. (Student area of website) Playing the instrument is not necessarily the same as practicing.
3. Review previous lessons so you are always practicing with a specific goal. This will be in your music binder where I will write your assignments or on your online lesson reports (if you choose to avail yourself of that service, it is $10 per month)
4. Younger students (under 18) must fill in their practice reports.
5. Ask questions about the lesson material. 
6. Conduct themselves in an honorable manner in all their musical affairs (This means if they are being sent to the principal's office every other band class they will soon be out of music lessons.)
7. Participate in their school music program.
8. Look for opportunities to listen to music and attend concerts.

Parent Responsibilities:

1. Support and encourage. The secret to all my great students has been parental support, desire and effort on the part of the student and my teaching.
2. Encourage effort as well as progress. Progress is like the tide coming in, every seventh wave is bigger then the next waves are smaller but slightly farther up the beach. It is not a straight line, sometimes when a technique is changed the level of playing will even drop slightly. If you only acknowledge results this is a de-motivator during those times when progress is static.
3. Make sure they practice.
4. Have somewhere were they can practice. Make sure it is quiet and free from distractions
5. Make sure they get whatever supplies they need  as quickly as possible.This includes sheet music, reeds etc. If you need help call me. 563-4693 or email me.
6. Ask questions about their progress.

Teacher Responsibilities:

1. Build the student's confidence.
2. Select suitable music
3. Give each student a lifelong love of music
4. Give each student  an awareness and belief in their capabilities.
5. Help each student become his or her own teacher by developing confidence and analytical skills.
6. Give each student and awareness of how they in particular learn and develop the students self awareness especially regarding how they handle pressure (as in performing) and performing tasks (as in practicing)
7. Give each student a balanced appreciation of music by including elements of Music theory, solid instrumental technique and music from the standard repertoire.
8. Keep the parent(s) advised of the student's progress.
9. Look for opportunities for the student to have successful and positive musical experiences at whatever level they are at.