Excellence from the Beginning: Ensuring Your Beginner (Or Older Student!) Has a Successful Lesson
Consider these simple and straightforward steps to help ensure that lessons are positive and productive
Preparation on Lesson Day
Mention to your child early in the day that it’s lesson day.
Mention it periodically throughout the day with enthusiasm and interest.
Play the Suzuki CD, focussing on the songs that your child is learning.
Preparation Before Departure and on the way to the Studio
Offer your child a healthy snack.
Allow plenty of time to get to the lesson – no one enjoys feeling rushed.
Listen to the Suzuki CD in the car.
Arrive at the studio quietly, remove outerwear, and if there is a lesson in progress, sit down and quietly observe the lesson.
Please remember to be as quiet as possible. While you are waiting, you are actually preparing your child to focus and concentrate on his/her lesson.
What to Bring to the Lesson
Your Suzuki repertoire book.
Your Practice Guide for note-taking and a pencil.
Avoid bringing toys or other items that might distract your child during the lesson.
During Your Child’s Lesson
During your child’s lesson, you are the “silent partner.” As an observer, your role is to simply watch, listen, and take notes.
Questions and comments can break your child’s focus, so save them for the end of lesson time.
Praise
A show of affection for your child, such as a hug, smile, or high five, is usually well received at the end of the lesson. This kind of non-verbal communication demonstrates unconditional love for your child.
Children know when they are being patronized, so be very careful and honest about your praising.
Stop While You Are Ahead
If your teacher notices that your child’s attention span is waning, she may conclude the lesson, regardless of what time it is, for to continue would be counter-productive.