What kind of instrument should I buy?
Choosing the right instrument depends on your goals, your budget, and the kind of music you want to play. For beginners, a full-size digital piano with weighted keys, or a good upright acoustic piano, is a great place to start because it provides reliable sound and supports good technique.
My students will receive a £500 discount when purchasing any Yamaha piano from Mark Goodwin Pianos. Please ask for more details.
Please be careful with free pianos: often they're free because they are expensive to move and are usually not in good condition.
How do I support my child's practice?
Learning a musical instrument is a rewarding journey for children, but they need support and encouragement at home to help them progress. Parents and guardians don't have to be musical to help a child succeed. Your role in their music education isn't about teaching them how to play, it's about offering your time, presence, and support. Here are some simple but effective ways to help your child make the most of their music lessons.
Make Sure You Understand What's Expected
Even if you're not musical, understand what your child is working on each week. You can ask me for guidance during the lesson and review the notes I provide each lesson. This allows you to help them stay on track, focused, and reinforces the importance of their practice.
Set a Regular Practice Schedule
Consistency is key when it comes to learning an instrument. Work with your child to decide on the best and most regular times for practice. Having a set routine of 5-10 minutes per day, every day, helps them develop discipline and makes practice a natural part of their day. Over time, the length of the practice session will naturally increase.
Be Their Biggest Cheerleader
Encouragement goes a long way! Be positive and supportive, especially when they struggle. Celebrate small wins [mastering a tricky bar, putting a section hands together] and remind them that improvement takes time. Your enthusiasm will help keep them motivated.
Encourage Mini Recitals at Home
Ask your child to perform a "mini recital" for you and clap enthusiastically. You don't need to be an expert to appreciate their progress. Simply listening and showing excitement makes a huge difference. Performing for family members also helps build confidence for future performances and exams.
Review Assignments Together
Take time to review your child's music assignments a couple of times a week. This helps them stay on track and ensures they are practising the correct techniques and pieces. Checking in with them also shows that you value their efforts and progress.
Create a Distraction-Free Practice Space
A quiet, dedicated practice area can make a huge difference. If there is a TV in the room, switch it off or mute the volume, and provide headphones for a digital piano to help them focus and block out any conversations and minimise distractions. This will help make their practice time more effective.
Teach Resilience: It's OK to Have Off Days
Not every practice session will go smoothly, and that's perfectly normal. Help your child understand that mistakes and struggles are part of the learning process. Encourage them to keep going, even on tough days, and remind them that progress takes time. They have already come so far!
Your Time and Presence Matter More Than Musical Knowledge
You don't have to read music, play an instrument, or have any musical background to support your child. Simply sitting with them during practice, showing interest in their progress, and being there for them can be incredibly motivating. Your time and presence show them that their efforts matter, which helps build their confidence and love for music.
Do I have to take exams?
For many piano students, working towards a music exam can be a rewarding experience. Over the years I have supported my students in preparing for a variety of exam boards, including ABRSM, Music Teachers' Board (MTB), and RSL.
While exams can offer structure and a sense of achievement, they're not for everyone. Here's my take on the pros and cons to help you decide whether pursuing exams is the right path for you or your child.
The Highs
Working Towards a Goal: Exams provide clear objectives, motivating students to practice regularly and progress steadily.
Exploring Different Genres: Many exam boards expose students to a variety of styles, from classical to jazz to contemporary compositions.
Technical Mastery: Exercises like scales and arpeggios strengthen understanding of key signatures and improve technical ability, and aural skills develop all-round musicianship.
Sense of Achievement: Receiving a certificate is a tangible reward that acknowledges your hard work and dedication.
Performance and Sightreading Skills: Exams offer opportunities to play prepared and unseen music for others, building confidence in playing not just for yourself, but for an audience.
The Lows
Performance Anxiety: Playing in front of an examiner on a different piano can be intimidating, as can trying to record your pieces for online submission.
Time Constraints: For students with multiple interests, fitting in enough practice might feel overwhelming.
Cost: Exams are not cheap and the expenses can add up, particularly as fees have increased in recent years.
Specific Materials: Some exam boards require students to purchase specific publications, adding to the cost.
Not for Everyone: Some students may simply not enjoy the structured nature of face to face exams.
Practice Without Pressure
Whether you choose to take exams or not, regular practice is essential for progress. The ABRSM provides a helpful guide to the time commitment required for their exams:
Exams can be an excellent tool for some students, offering structure, goals, and recognition of their hard work. However, they're not essential for everyone, and I will never force a student to take an exam. Whether or not you pursue exams, the most important thing is to cultivate a love for music and a consistent practice routine.
I'm here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your musical journey is fulfilling, whether it includes exams or not!
