One parent attends lessons with the child to observe, set the bench and footrest, take notes, etc., and then practices with the child at home. Parents continue in this capacity until their child is at least 13 years old and demonstrates the ability to practice independently. Until that time, children are not taught without the parent in the room. 

As the student grows older, the parent begins to play a less active roll in lessons, but still accompanies her child to the studio until the student is ready to drive himself.

Please arrive on time, so as not to feel rushed.  Quiet yourself and your child before entering the studio.  Check the bulletin

Before the lesson, parents should check that the student’s hands are clean and fingernails are trimmed.  Come prepared with music books, filled-out practice record, notebook, et cetera.  Make the most of your lesson time by having everything ready to give to the teacher. Treat the studio with respect by keeping it neat and check that things are picked up before you leave.  Respect other students’ lessons by keeping things quiet throughout the studio.

Listen to fine recordings at home. Play the recording of the student’s pieces a lot; hearing the CD several hours per day, especially in the early stages, will help create success and ease of learning. 

Pianos should be tuned three or four times per year for productive, enjoyable practice.

Cell phones should be turned off or silenced during lessons and answered only for emergencies.  Like-wise, parents should not bring any reading material to the lesson for as long as they are an active part of their child’s practice.

Mother observing her child's lesson at Summer Suzuki Institute