Practicing- Students have to practice in order to make progress. If they don't practice, they're going to be unprepared in their lessons and feel unhappy and unsuccessful. Every child is unique and needs a different type and amount of help from parents with their practicing. They may need help remembering to practice, fitting it in around other activities, or sticking with it when they feel tired or frustrated.

This is a great opportunity for you to guide them to learn self-discipline and perseverance. Please don't expect them to manage their practicing totally on their own.

Help your child keep track of their practicing accomplishments with my "Practice Record" sheets.

Read my much longer, more detailed "Practice Tips."


Attendance- Regular attendance at lessons is critical to your child's success. Occasional illnesses and emergencies are a fact of life, but cancelling lessons frequently because of other activities is not wise. It interrupts your child's learning routine and teaches them that you and they are not really committed to their music study.

For the same reasons, cancelling lessons because a child hasn't practiced is not OK.


Getting a piano or keyboard- For piano students, a real piano is always best, but not always possible. You can find used pianos cheaply or free at PianoAdoption.com, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

If a real piano isn't possible for you, I recommend the Yamaha "P" series digital piano. Models 85, 95, 115 and 125 are all good.

Shop for them new at Guitar Center, Musicians Friend or Sweetwater, or used on Craigslist or Facebook.


Having your piano tuned- I recommend:
Robert String 1-978-604-4903 crstring@comcast.net
Anthony McKenna 1-617-484-5600


Buying books and sheet music- You can download sheet music and print it instantly at Musicnotes.com or SheetMusicPlus.com.

If you want to order a real book, look at SheetMusicPlus.com or JW Pepper.

Apps I Recommend

• NoteWorks - for piano students. Practice associating notes on the staff with the correct keys on the piano. Please get the full version for $4.99. http://www.doremiworld.com/Games/NoteWorks

• Music Tutor - for any instrument. Practice naming notes on the staff. It's possible to go really fast if you are up to it. http://www.jsplash.com/apps.html

• Rhythm Cat - for any instrument. Practice reading and performing rhythms. The full version offers 60 levels and gets very challenging. http://melodycats.com/rhythm-cat/

• TABS from Ultimate-guitar.com Vast catalog of songs in chord charts and tablatures. An essential resource for guitar, piano and ukulele.