Music study enhances learning and social development and many parents enthusiastically enroll their children for lessons with a private instructor. The time and financial commitments are substantial, however, so you want to make this relationship a true success. After 15 years of teaching the violin, here are the 6 things I wish parents knew before the first lesson.

1. Select the right teacher – Call ahead and get a sense of the personality of the instructor.

Be honest about the personality and learning style of your child. Do they need to be pushed or do they like to create their own path? Do they respond to visual cues or are they analytical? A good teacher will use a variety of methods and approaches with every student, but everybody has a basic, personal style.

Ask about policies for payment and cancellations as well as makeup lessons. Will they fit with your budget and schedule? Be honest about your time commitment and your child's motivation. This allows the teacher to set appropriate goals and strike an appropriate tone with your child.

2. Select the right instrument – Musical instruments are relatively costly but it is important to have a decent one. A poor instrument is difficult to play and will frustrate even the most motivated student.

Seek advice from other parents or teachers in selecting a good instrument. If possible, have someone play the instrument to make sure that it is truly in working order.

Rental is a good option for the first few years while you gauge your child's interest in music. Be aware, however, that many rental instruments have been carelessly treated. Have your teacher check it carefully. Don't be afraid to return the rental if there is a problem.

3. Make the lessons a priority – The instructor has set aside a particular time of the week for your lesson; it needs to be a priority for everyone. A good instructor will have a clear and reasonable makeup policy written and enforced for all. Students will sense the importance you place on this activity. If the lesson is constantly moved for other activities, children will know that it is of lesser value and work accordingly.

4. Practice, practice, practice – It doesn't make perfect, but it sure makes better. As a rule, a student should practice the length of their lesson 5-7 times each week. Ideally, one should have a regular practice time each day. This allows the learner to easily enter the mode of creating music. If a set daily time is impractical, try to create a schedule that is stable over the week.

5. Communicate with the teacher and your child – A good teacher wants to know how the student is doing at home. Let the instructor know what motivates your child and what turns them off. If your child is struggling to practice or stops enjoying music, bring it up so you can find a solution that works for everyone.

Ask your child about the expectations for the week. Reinforce their importance to your child, but avoid nagging. Encourage your child to make reasonable and regular progress and don't forget the occasional "bravo.

6. Listen to music, go to concerts – I am constantly amazed how little my students come in contact with musicians and the music for their instrument. It is difficult to be inspired to create beautiful sound if you do not know what sound the instrument is capable of producing. There are many different styles of music available for every instrument - let your child hear them. One is bound to excite his or her interest.

Concerts are a wonderful experience for children and there are many age-appropriate possibilities in the Rochester area. They allow students to see how the music is produced and introduce them to human beings that do it.

They learn the conventions for audience behavior and the social situation. Best of all, concerts are exciting and fun.

With enthusiasm, communication, and planning, music will become a rich and lifelong endeavor for your child.