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Q: How involved should parents be in the musical education of their children?

A: Again, there is no right answer. In my experience, it is usually most effective for parents and teachers to allow for frequent and open dialogue regarding their goals and expectations. It is important for parents to realize that their assistance is critical in cultivating their children's musical growth. Equally important is the teacher's role in discovering the parents' individual strengths and providing specific, but flexible, guidelines regarding how the parents can best help their children. For older students, the parameters of the working team will be different but it is still a good idea for the teacher, parent and child to meet so that they can discuss just how involved the parents should be. Teenagers, in particular, often have very specific feelings about this subject and it is important to create the most effective learning environment possible for each child. In an ideal world, the teacher will effectively communicate how each parent can help and the parents will be receptive and willing to contribute their time and experience. It is important for the teacher and parent to develop a reciprocal relationship in which they are each comfortable in approaching one another for guidance and/or support.

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