The Weaning Process

There may come a point in the instructional process when your teacher will recommend that the parent either taper off in lesson attendance or stop attending with the student.   At this point there may be a period of guided short assignments with which the student begins to work on his own before assuming the full responsibility for instruction and practice.  The time for "weaning" will vary due to the student's age, development, and the personal dynamics involved, so please be appreciative of the teacher's assessment of the situation and, as in all other areas of talent education, do not judge your student's lesson situation by that of others in the program.  The goal in early years is to help the student establish solid and efficient thoughtful practice habits.

Occasionally, a teacher will ask a parent not to attend lessons for a short period of time in order for the teacher to develop a more personal or direct rapport with the student.  After a short period, the parent would attend lessons again on a regular basis.