For Parents

I teach music not because I expect my students to become
professional musicians, but because I want music making to be an
enjoyable and motivating experience for the student. My hope is that
my students will develop a love for playing and listening that will last
a lifetime. For the school age student, learning to play the piano is a
three way commitment: student, parent and teacher. I look forward to
contributing my part in this learning process.

The study of music has many benefits. Studies have shown that
learning to play an instrument increases the number of working
neurons in the brain and enhances the grades of students. Piano study
accelerates the learning processes for all ages. Learning to play an
instrument also makes one a better audience member; one acquires a
new respect and appreciation for a good performer. For more
information on how music can positively influence the life of a
student, look at the Children's Music Workshop.

Its a great resource for things like:
Advocacy Quotes
Music's Value in a Student's Life
Music and the Brain
the Mozart Effect
and much more!

General Encouragement

Even if you do not play an instrument, you can help your child
succeed in piano lessons. You can show how important the lessons
are by getting your student to lessons on time, check the assignment
notebook during the week, provide a quiet and consistent practice
time, ask your child to play for you, keep the piano tuned and in
good working condition and encourage your child to perform for
recitals and other events. Your child will pick up on your attitude and
this will go a long way to determining the amount of success your
child experiences.

Practice Encouragement

Sometime during the course of taking piano lessons, your child may
say something like, "I don't want to practice," or "I'm too tired to go
to piano lessons," or "I don't want to go- I want to play with my
friends," "I want to quit," etc… Just be aware that your child's
interest will probably not be consistent; but to be successful, you will
need to be consistent in your encouragement and commitment to
music instruction. In most cases, simply acknowledge your child's
comments, but then go on with your normal routine just as you would
if you heard the comment, "I don't want to brush my teeth," "I don't
want to stop playing with my toys," or "I don't want to go to bed."

Instrument Care

Every piano is different, but on the whole, your piano should be
tuned at least once a year. New pianos or pianos that do not hold a
tune should be tuned more than once a year. Also, you can extend the
life of your piano by installing a dehumidifier system. For more
detailed instrument care, please see my husband's website:

Hilton's Piano Service