We recommend that parents attend lessons for beginning students and for students 9 years old or younger. Most students will need some guidance, encouragement, and support at home to complete their daily practice assignment. When a parent attends the lesson this prepares the parent to be able to support the child at home. In the lesson you will learn what your teacher wants the student to focus on during the week and what the student is already doing well. We have found that children progress much more quickly and get more out of lessons when they have effective, well-informed help and support at home. It doesn’t matter whether or not you have training in music. The most important way to help is by providing structure and encouragement to establish good daily practice habits.

The specific amount of time students spend practicing is not nearly as important as having consistent, daily practice. Here at the Academy we expect students to practice six out of seven days a week, if not every day, and that during this time they complete their daily practice assignments from their teacher. For beginners, 15-20 minutes a day is usually sufficient. As students progress, daily practice time should increase.

We have a reputation for providing music lessons that most kids find engaging and fun. Many of our parents report that their children love lessons, and will go willingly to practice without being asked. However, our students also experience times where they may feel discouraged and even resistant to practicing. Developing musical skills takes years and years of dedicated practice, and sometimes a student might hit a “hump”. Best solution: supportive parent-teacher team. Developing musical skills is not easy, but it is worth it. Kids need love, encouragement, and consistent support.