Group class Keeps you in good shape - like dribbling and passing drills in basketball - these are the fundamentals and once you know how to do them you keep them a part of each practice - they are the foundation of other skills you will work on. sample practice chart
The Suzuki Triangle Blog
support teen

20 Ways to Support Your Teen in Music

For some ideas to help teens who are struggling to practice because of too much homework – you can read my article: Teens, Practice & Too Much Homework

It can be hard to know how to support our teens once they are old enough to practice on their own. They may seem like they don’t need us, as their parents, to be involved anymore. What I found, after parenting two teens, is that they actually need our support more than ever. It just may look different than how we supported them when they were younger.

It’s easy to focus on areas where our teens need to improve, and where they still need to grow and mature. It’s harder, but even more important to notice the areas where they are doing amazing things and point them out to our children over and over. Your teen may not always remember exactly what you said, but they will remember the feeling of being supported. Every single kid needs that in their lives, and not just for music.

Here are 10 Positive Things to Say to Support Your Teen

  1. I’m proud of you.
  2. I love hearing you play.
  3. I can see how hard you’re working.
  4. Growing up is hard.
  5. You’re still learning – it will get easier.
  6. I’m so impressed you are making time to keep playing.
  7. Your dedication inspires me.
  8. How can I help?
  9. It takes a lot guts to get up there and play.
  10. I can see you improving.

What else can you do to support your teen in their music studies?

  • Help your teen get to lessons and rehearsals on time.
  • Make sure their instrument is in good repair.
  • Leave them a note of encouragement somewhere they’ll easily find it.
  • Take them to see live performances.
  • Help them find recordings of great music to listen to.
  • Talk to them about their goals.
  • Show up at every performance that you can and cheer them on.
  • Be their biggest fan.
  • Complement them on things they are doing well – often.
  • Really listen to their struggles before giving advice.
Even when we’re no longer practicing with our children, we are still an important source of support.

What can you do this week to support the teen in your life?

 

 

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