Labyrinth Music Blog
Meditations on Learning and Loving Music
8 Things Music Teachers Wish Parents Knew
Music teachers and parents share an important goal: the education of a young musician. We both want the best outcome for the student, and we get the best results when parent and teacher are on the same page about lessons. Here are eight things that I, on behalf of all music teachers, would want all parents to understand
How much should you practice?
Some people seem to believe that no matter how much time you spend singing or playing your instrument, you should be doing more. So, in my considered opinion, how much should a musician practice?
Should you skip your music lesson this week?
Ever ask yourself, “Is this a good enough reason to skip my music lesson this week? Or to let my kid skip their lesson?” Let me answer that question for you.
Sorry, I can’t teach you
Any teacher who claims to be able to teach anything to anyone is either deluded or predatory. That’s why I’m totally unashamed to say that there are some people I can’t teach.
Should you force kids to take music lessons?
It’s not unusual for parents to force kids to take music lessons for various reasons - some good, some less so. Let me tell you the three reasons why I only teach students who participate willingly.
The Short and Practical Guide for Parents Who Don’t Care About Piano
Piano doesn’t appeal to you, but your kid is taking lessons. I don’t need to convert you to Team Piano. I just want to help you not be miserable for however long you’re going to be a piano parent.
Music teacher, coach, or tutor: What’s the difference?
Which do you need, a teacher, a coach, or a tutor? Musicians and aspiring musicians need to know which kind of professional will be the best choice to help them reach their goals.
You have to have a spark
There’s an X factor for becoming a musician, but it’s not natural intuitive ability, talent, or even discipline - it’s curiosity.
8 things parents need to know before starting music lessons
Whether your child will be learning singing, piano, or another instrument, getting started can be a little intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. Here are eight things you should know before your child’s first music lesson.
11 ways to be a supportive music parent
Do you want to support a young music student in your life, but you’re not sure what to do? Here are 11 ways you can help them.
Signs you should let your kid quit lessons
Ever ask yourself, “Is this a sign that my kid should quit music lessons?” Let me answer that question for you.
You don’t need musical talent
Music doesn’t come from some mystical source called "talent" - it can be learned, and it can be learned by anybody. Being talented, or the idea of being talented, can actually get in your way!
Difficult student, don’t change
Do “difficult” students resist instruction just to be difficult, or are they responding to their own feelings? Here’s why I’d rather let my piano students learn more slowly than teach them to ignore how they feel.
My first recital
Every professional musician had a first recital, and today I want to tell you about mine. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go great.
Writing reviews for music teachers
If you’re going to write a review for your teacher, on behalf of all teachers I would like to thank you!! We really appreciate you putting in the time and effort to write informative and helpful reviews. Teaching professionals need your specific, personal, and honest reviews to stay in business. If you follow these guidelines, your teacher and their future clients will thank you.
Do I HAVE to practice?
I have a short answer to this frequently-asked question, and a medium-length answer, and a long answer. Find out what good practicing looks and feels like, and how it helps you make progress.