Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Bonding Parent to Child

After my last Parent Orientation meeting on Saturday, one mom mentioned that I got a little choked up as I was reading the Let's Play Music vision statement:


Music is wonderful for so many reasons... it enriches our lives, as we perform our confidence increases, practice develops talent, and research has shown that learning music even enhances our intelligence.  With all these wonderful benefits to music education, it's easy to overlook that magical bonding that takes place as two people share in a musical experience together.  And THAT, is the vision of Let's Play Music.  

This amazing bonding opportunity is the reason I chose to send my children to another teacher. My favorite moments in the classroom have been watching my 6 month old smile and try to sing along, while bouncing in my lap, or as I snuggle with my child and sing "May There Always Be Sunshine," or the excitement of a "DO-bomb" shared the first time my son plays the blue-chord independently.  And, I'll admit, I may even get teary eyed as I watch you sharing these tender moments with your children.
   
My friend and fellow Let's Play Music teacher, Bekah Jennings, recently guest posted on the corporate Let's Play Music - Making Musicians blog: here.  She said: "If I can create an environment that strengthens the family by bonding the parent and child, I have succeeded as a teacher. And if the child happens to learn piano along the way--and they all do to varying degrees--that's a bonus!"  

I'm excited to see your children this week as classes begin, but more importantly, I'm excited to see YOU with your children. We are going to have a great time together!  Sure, you're learning how to help your child practice, and maybe even how to play the piano yourself.  But the one thing that is really going to make this year special, is the opportunity you have to strengthen your own relationship with your child.