Welcome to New World Music Academy’s Parent Page
Music is a vehicle for building self-expression and creativity in human beings; nowhere can this be better portrayed than in a child’s development. The child’s ability to appreciate and understand music will assist that person throughout their lives, academically, socially and emotionally. To educate a child musically, therefore, is one of the most important tasks that can be set for an adult, whether educator or parent.
It is the role of the parent that is least understood and arguably the most important. As most families opt for weekly lessons, there are six days between between lessons during which ALL of the practicing is done – and this is when the improving is also done. However, a six-year-old child has a very difficult time setting himself appropriate and optimal goals. This web page is designed to be a resource for New World Music Academy parents and others.
This page has been developed for our students’ parents. It contains much information on practicing as this is the area that most directly effects your child’s progress in music lessons. New material is being added to this page all the time so please return now and again to refresh yourself of the current content and advice while looking for newer material that has been added since your last visit.
In addition to information on practicing, you will also find resources and links pertaining to professional live concerts around the San Francisco Bay Area. San Francisco itself is not too far to drive (or take BART) to hear a performance that can inspire your child to greater musical goals. Also, the section on “how young is too young” is a good resource for parents thinking about getting their child started in lessons or starting lessons for a younger sibling of a music student.
Links
Harvard study proves that regular practice over time pays off for young musicians
A Parent’s Guide to Music Lessons
General Articles on Practice
Music Advocacy’s Top Ten for Parents
How to Get Your Child to Practice
Dos and Don’ts for Parents
On Make-up Lessons
Make-Up Music Lessons – An Economist Point of View
Articles Specific to Piano Study
5 Important Ways Children Benefit from Piano Lessons – plus many links to reference sites
Articles Specific to Voice Study
An Article on the Benefits of Singing, Alone or in Groups
A Fascinating Article on Self-healing, Health and Well-being based on singing
Articles Specific to Guitar Study
Guitarskool.com – A Great resource for the appreciation of classical guitar and music in general
Articles Specific to Rhythm/Percussion Study
Check out this very exciting article on the link between rhythm and good health
Articles specific to Violin Study
http://learnviolinplaying.com/violin-playing-benefits-children.php – on the benefits of violin study
http://www.muscleshoalsmusic.com/lasts%20a%20lifetime.htm – on the benefits of learning the violin and music in general