 | Dee Starkey is the owner and operator of Jim Starkey Music Center, a full-service school music specialty store serving Wichita area musicians, students and families since 1954. He serves on the board of the Independent Music Merchants Group, and is a member of the National Association of Music Merchants, The National Association of School Music Dealers and the Kansas Music Merchants Association. He is a past president of KMMA and the Wichita Jazz Festival, and has served on funding panels for The National Endowment for the Arts. Mr. Starkey also serves as an enthusiastic docent at the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Allen-Lambe House. |
Music
2006-09-01 16:04:00
Supporting your child’s love of music
ANSWER: That they chose to join is a great first step, many parents and kids miss out on the wonderful opportunities for discovery and growth through active music participation. A strong area school music programs offer many rewards; here are some ideas for encouragement.1) Positive and sincere encouragement is your best support. Show interest and confidence in their ability to succeed.2) Establish good practice habits-A regular time in a quiet place. . Establishing this routine lays the groundwork for much success in music and in life. Practice indeed does make perfect.3) A good instrument-Does it play properly? Is it well made, in good repair with the necessary reeds, oils, rosin or strings? A compromise here will hamper the student’s potential for success.4) A good music stand- there is no substitute. It is an essential for good posture and breathing habits.5) Praise- Use it generously and often. We all respond well to positive reinforcement!6) Punctuality be on time and be prepared for lessons and rehearsals. Like practice, development of this discipline will pay great dividends throughout life.7) Communication-Get to know your child’s music teachers. They are skilled and dedicated professionals who truly want to share the joy of music with your child.8) Support- Attend all concerts possible, yours and others... Check out the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, one of the nation’s best. Watch for great concerts at the area colleges, Century II, the Kansas Coliseum. Share live music enjoyment with your family and talk about what you saw and heard. Attend parent meetings and lend support to your school music booster organizations.9) Private lessons-Your child’s musical growth can be further enhanced with private lessons. Private study helps students become leaders in their school and in their school band or orchestra.Congratulations on being a school music parent. If you’ve got other ideas on helping students succeed, we appreciate you sharing them with us and others. Good luck and have fun making music!!
