Children in piano lessons often have ideas about learning to play that come from television, the movies, and well, their own imaginations which are not accurate. To make sure your beginner in piano lessons has realistic expectations help them to focus on the basics - simple things that make a big difference. Here are five simple things that will make a big difference to your beginner in piano lessons.

1. Attending weekly lessons - The enthusiasm beginning students have when they start their piano lessons needs to be capitalized on, not forgotten. Students who are excited about starting lessons quickly lose interest when they miss their lessons. This is because they forget what the teacher has already shown them, and when they return to lessons they have to review the same lessons again. Having to stop and start over an over again with the same information because students miss too many lessons is demoralizing and breeds discouragement.

2. Bringing music books to every lesson - Without their music books the piano lesson has no plan or focus. It ends up being whatever the teacher can make-up on the spot because the music the students need to be following up on isn't available. When students come to lessons in a haphazard way not bothering to bring their music the result is equally haphazard training that results from an unnecessary lack of organization and lesson planning.

3. Setting aside a routine daily practice time - Children need help from their parents to set a routing practice time. Parents can help by making sure their student is home at the agreed upon time to practice and limiting other activities that would compete with their lesson practice time. Keeping a routine is the best because it builds the practice habit and that's most of the battle. At any given time there will be a choice of how to spend that time. When this decision is make ahead of time it is a lot easier for kids to stay focused on their goals.

4. Following the teacher's practice instructions - The best way to get some place is to focus on specific goals that will help us achieve our dreams. Each piano lesson assignment will require specific learning and playing strategies

that will make learning easier. By following the teacher's instructions students will make much more progress, much faster. For example, singing the note names as they are played and keeping eyes on the music, not looking down at the hands.

5. Attending piano recitals and activities that set important learning goals - Goals are important because they give us direction and something to work toward. Without goals the idea of time management is just an empty word. Recitals target specific learning goals that will help piano students achieve their musical dreams. Focusing on those goals helps students manage their time in order to be prepared for their recitals.

By following these five steps to a good piano start your beginner will make a lot of progress in their first year of piano. This foundation of good habits, knowledge and skills are what students need to achieve their goals and go on to reach their musical dreams.

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