Today we will look at how to care for a piano. In a future post we will talk about care for string instruments.
Providing proper care and maintenance for musical instruments is important.
1. To be sure that the instrument is able to be in tune and to create good tone when it is played.
2. To extend the life of the instrument.
3. Because you have invested money and time into the instrument.
The following are some basic guidelines for maintaining a piano. Ask your piano technician if you have questions about maintenance or care of your instrument.
Pianos
1. Have your piano tuned by a member of the Piano Technicians Guild at least once a year, but twice a year is recommended since the changes in season affect the sound of the piano.
2. Since the instrument contains wood and felt which expand and contract depending on heat and humidity levels (affecting pitch and tone), it is best to place your piano near a wall that is away from windows and bright sunlight or doors that may open frequently, and away from sources of heated or cold air. Keeping the temperature and humidity relatively steady around 68 degrees F and 42% humidity, will allow your piano to perform its best.
3. Keep all drinks or liquid filled containers (like flower vases) away from the piano. If spilled water goes into the action (inside the keys) of the piano, call your technician immediately. Since damage can be irreversible, prevention is the best idea.
Click on the link to find out more information about caring for you piano, buying a piano, etc at the Piano Technicians Guild website.
It is time to begin our regular lessons once again. Now is the time to set up a practice routine for your child. Take a look at the family schedule. When will you be able to set aside an appropriate amount of time for practice each day? Remember to allow for time to rejuvenate after a school day. A snack will give a boost to their physical and mental state.
There are all kinds of opportunities out there to involve your child in many activities. Remember, taking instrumental lessons is not a once a week activity! It is a daily commitment. Be sure to look at your schedule before you sign up for other activities (sports, dance, drama, etc) to make sure there is still room for daily practice time. If you have a child who is a morning person, you could try setting aside some, or all, of the practice time before they leave for school.
Suzuki parents are the "home teachers" in the Suzuki triangle of student, teacher, parent. Prepare for quality practice time by taking detailed notes at lessons and asking your teacher any questions that come to mind. Encourage your child at home by affirming the things they are doing well. Help your child discipline themselves to practice the things that still need work.
Every Suzuki parent and child relationship is unique, but there are universal challenges. You can be sure that if you are struggling to get your child to repeat a passage more than 2 times, or if some days they say, "I don't like this", you are not alone!
I highly recommend Edmund Sprunger's book Helping Parents Practice as a resource for Suzuki parents. Mr. Sprunger has organized the book according to different practice issues. You do not have to read the book from beginning to end, but can jump to any topic that fits your situation. The book is full of great ideas for making practice fun and encouraging for your child.
Winning Ways: Strategies for Suzuki Parents is a collection of articles from the American Suzuki Journal covering a variety of topics including Suzuki philosophy in action, motivation, and teenage Suzuki students.
The Suzuki Association store has many other resources for parents and students. You can find books by Dr. Suzuki, including Nurtured by Love.
