Episode Highlights:

As a Piano Parent, should you stay at the piano lesson with your child or should you go?

Follow their lead:

Follow your teacher’s lead

What does their policy state about attending the lesson?

Some teachers prefer one-on-one lessons with no distractions

My studio operates with an open-door policy.  Parents are welcome to stay for the lesson at any time.

Follow your child’s lead

Some children aren’t bothered by their parents’ presence in the lesson

Some children are more self conscious when their parent is listening in on the lesson

If you decide to stay:

1. Let the teacher take charge of the lesson.
2. No comments, please.
3. Sit quietly.
4. Observe the lesson. Your teacher might allow you to sit in a chair close to the piano so you can observe hand placement.
5. Take notes to be able to help your young child with home practice.

Your best intentions can still be perceived as a distraction by your child or their teacher.  Be respectful of their perception and act accordingly.

If you decide to go:

1. Be more proactive with communication between you and the teacher.  Read emails and texts they send you.  Read your child’s assignment sheet.
2. If you leave the property, manage your time well and pick up your child when the lesson is completed.
3. Use the last few minutes of your child’s lesson to communicate with your teacher or listen to your child’s progress.

Your top priority is the well being of your child; emotionally, psychologically, and physically. So even if you don’t stay for the lesson, I suggest you always make your presence known.

Now that you’ve invested money for piano lessons, you need to make another investment: time by staying in the lesson, or space by giving your child freedom to experience the lesson alone.

**Many thanks to The Clash for their great and catchy song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go.”**

What do you do?  Are you a stayer or a goer?  Tell me here.