General Performance/For Parents: Clinic Archives

October 28, 2012

Are You Pushing Your Child's Dreams Too Far?
From DrPhil.com

We all want our children to be stars in their lives and feel good about who they are, but could you be pushing them too far? Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering starting your young child in pageants, acting or any extracurricular activity.

Is there balance?
The concept of pageants can be beneficial to children if they are done in balance with other activities in a child's life, like soccer or little league. But putting too much focus on just one activity is not healthy for the child. They must experience many different activities when they are young to find out what they truly enjoy being a part of. It is OK for them to be involved in activities, but make sure they are not missing out on being a kid and participating in things other kids do, like sleepover parties and birthday parties.

Is this your child's passion or your passion?
Is your child doing it because they have a passion for it and love it, or is it your dream and passion? If your child complains about the activity and seems to be unhappy, maybe it is time to consider another outlet for fun, even if you want them to continue with it. Even though your child may want to pursue this dream, you are the parent. You control whether they attend pageants and auditions, not the child. Kids need to be kids and parents need to be parents.

Are you endangering your child?
Are you putting your child in danger in order to make them "beautiful”? One guest had braces put on her 2 1/2-year-old daughter because she had a crooked tooth and begged for braces. Dr. Phil checked with a licensed orthodontist who said this is not something that should be done and a child could suffer more harm than good. This can lead to worse consequences because a young child cannot take care of braces the way an older child is able to, and it can cause damage to the teeth.

If you have hesitation that this activity could be harmful to your child's emotional or physical well-being, then don't put your child in harm's way. If your child has been threatened or hurt by the activity, maybe you should reconsider the importance of continuing on with it. For example, one young girl participating in beauty pageants was cursed at by another mother and received a dead cat on her porch — acts of hatred and jealousy that could make you think twice before pursuing further.

Are you having financial or marital problems?
If your marriage is in trouble or you are having money problems as a result of pursuing this dream, you should reconsider the investment and make sure that it is positive for the entire family. If you are spending a lot of time away from each other, this leads to a more divided family. It is important to recognize that this dream should not be taking away from the family unit, but rather building it and making it stronger. Work on building the careers of the parents so that the children can enjoy the fruits of what the parents achieve. It is a parent's responsibility to take care of the children and make sure that they have long-term opportunities.

Are you concentrating too much on beauty, makeup, hair and clothes?
This is very superficial, and could make a child vulnerable at a young age. They may learn to define their self-worth based on these standards, which is unrealistic. It's important to think about the consequences of what will happen if the child grows out of the "cute phase" and isn't "pageant cute" anymore.

Are you being realistic about your goals?
If your child has been going on numerous auditions and has not landed a job, maybe it is time to reconsider things. The numbers of children that get acting gigs is very small: about five out of 100,000. Even if your child does become successful, it's not as easy or glamorous as it may seem. Fame is a 24-hour a day job. They will be spending long days at a studio for work, and oftentimes it is around adults and no one from their peer group. They may have problems when they return to school, and the monetary compensation may not be as much as you would have expected.

Are you too critical of your child?
When a child starts an activity at a young age, the activity should be fun for the child. It's about gaining experience and developing skills. If he/she becomes a professional, then it becomes work for him/her and it is more acceptable to be critical because his/her future is at stake. It is important to encourage your child before criticizing them, so he/she can know the feeling of doing something well. Criticism is received better when training for the next event as opposed to right after completing one.

Should you continue?
If your child is currently acting and you are not sure whether to let them continue, think about this. For children, the only time is here and now. If you take them out of this activity and put them into another activity that they really enjoy, they will move forward happy and successfully.

You must do what is best for the child and you can't worry whether they will resent you for stopping the activity. You cannot parent with resentment. You can't worry that your child will be mad at you for saying, 'No' to them continuing. Know that it may be in their best interest, and you are the parent. The chances that young actors will make it to another successful show is very slim.

A lot of child stars from the past have become drug addicts and alcoholics. "It's a lack of adjustment that happens because it's a false world," Dr. Phil says. One day you're a star and the next day it's all over.

Tips from “Is My Child a Star?” series on the Dr. Phil show

If given the opportunity to get in front a casting director, use the entire time to present yourself – if told you have 1 minute, use the entire minute!

Parents, don’t get in your kid’s way. If someone can perceive you as a diva, that carries over to their perception of your child. You don’t get to make requests or demands, there’s no excuse for being late (being early is terrific, being late is a killer).
Don’t dress your kids “cute.” If you have more than one child auditioning for a part, don’t dress them alike.
Help your child get the “um”s, “uh”s, “like”s, “he goes” out of their vocabulary.

In an audition situation, your child should feel comfortable asking questions to clarify what they’re being asked to do – have a quick run-through of an unfamiliar piece of equipment, such as a teleprompter; ask whether the director wants something read to the camera or to an unseen partner.


October 14, 2012

Who Needs Rides? Disney for Performers
Erin Conrad, The Performer’s Parent

Sure, Disney parks are known for their rides (or as they call them, “attractions”). Space Mountain, Expedition Everest, Toy Story Mania – all must-dos for many visitors. But if you or anyone in your family perform, there is plenty to keep you loving everything Disney, even if you never step foot into an attraction queue.

Greg and I recently returned from a quick mom & son trip to Disney World in Orlando. While we did plenty of the great attractions, on this trip more than any other, we sought out and enjoyed many of the live performance opportunities Disney offers. What we saw, though, was only a fraction of what was offered! We could have spent all three and a half days watching – and performing in! – the terrific vocal and theatrical shows around the four parks and the public (non-park, like Downtown Disney) areas.

Hollywood Studios has an attraction that your performer (over the age of 14) can actually participate in. The American Idol Experience is a vocal competition that is set up to simulate the American Idol show – you audition early in the day, and if you’re selected by the attraction’s “producers,” you will compete against two other guests/singers in one of five preliminary rounds held each day. The winner of each round returns that evening to compete against the rest of that day’s winners (the winners in both the prelims and final are determined by audience vote). And the prize is well worth going for – a “dream ticket” to an actual American Idol audition, which allows you to bypass the initial round of singing for their screeners, and move on to the producers! Several Disney Dream Ticket winners have gone on to perform in the TV program, notably Skylar in Season 11. Greg did this for the second time (the first was following Crystal Lake South’s band and choir trip in 2009), again making it on stage; and sadly, again not winning his round. But this time, partly because he was the first person that day to audition, he was selected to be interviewed and videotaped for an “introductory package,” which was shown as part of the round he participated in! Prior to the performance, he met with hair and makeup specialists and a vocal/performance coach – in 2009, he learned a lot from this 20-minute coaching session, and feels that it’s had a lasting impact on his performing style.

Also at Hollywood Studios, a fun rock cover band, Mulch Sweat & Shears, performs throughout the park. We Mulch, Sweat & Shearscaught them in front of the Sorcerer’s Hat later in the evening – lots of audience participation, terrific singers and musicians, and well worth stopping to take in. There are also a Beauty & The Beast live show, which I’ve never seen, and some live performances for the “junior” set from Disney programs.

Animal Kingdom has the fewest live performance opportunities – we saw an African drum band; there’s a dj playing current Indian music, and another performance or two throughout the park. This is by far the most “foreign” to American kids, but music has a universal appeal, and performers – and kids in general – will enjoy stopping to listen. But Animal Kingdom also has several amazing full-scale live shows – The Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo-The Musical were both highlights of our trip. Lion King is not a retelling of the movie (or the Broadway musical) – while it includes the famous movie music, it also incorporates gymnasts, an aerialist, stiltwalkers, and parade floats; and Finding Nemo has some of the most innovative puppetry I’ve ever seen (and the singing voice of Crush the turtle brought me to tears).

Epcot has some great musicians. One of Greg’s favorites during the week was the 8-performer a cappella group Voices of Liberty, who sang under the beautiful rotunda in the American Pavilion. Greg has long been a fan of a cappella singing, and said that this group was the best he had heard, with tight harmonies and stunning voices. He talked afterwards with bass Aaron (Disney performers are happy to chat with guests), who encouraged him to try a Disney audition at some point, and shared that he had been to Chicago and sang the National Anthem at one of our ball parks (sorry, we don’t remember which one!). Also in Epcot are performances by Japanese Taiko drummers, Chinese musicians, and a Moroccan Asian rock/fusion group called Mo’ Rockin.

And more! In the Canada area, you’ll find a fun (and funny) group called Off Kilter, and in England, The British Revolution plays – you’ll have to search them out, as they play music from The Beatles, The Who, and other British bands in a lovely little landscaped area behind the shops. And of course, for fans of either Michael Jackson, George Lucas, or ‘80s music in general, Disney has brought back the 3D film Captain EO, with a young Jackson singing and dancing his way to interplanetary peace (while EO has its critics, Greg and I both really enjoyed it! And watch for a young Angelica Huston to make an appearance).

Magic Kingdom has some of the most traditional musical performances in the resort. If you’re at the gates before the Dapper Dansofficial opening time, you’ll see a fun singing and dancing opening number up on the train platform welcoming guests to the park for the day. Grab a Times Guide and be sure to watch along Main Street for the Dapper Dans, a barbershop quartet, whose corny routine and fantastic voices make for a great break. They play a set of chimes that are nearly a century old, which they’ll be happy to show and explain after their set.

There’s a saxophone quartet – we didn’t see them this time, but have caught them before. Look for the antique soprano sax! And the parades and shows all have lots of dancing (but most, if not all, of the music is prerecorded).

I’m sure I’ve missed several live performing groups, but you could spend hours searching out and listening to the fantastic music Disney offers. On any given day, you’re likely to see high school marching bands from throughout the country making their way down Main Street, or bands and choirs performing at Downtown Disney (as Prairie Ridge and Crystal Lake South will be during next year’s spring break). Disney is committed to helping the next generation of performers, and has all kinds of workshops and clinics available to groups. For individuals, Disney’s Youth Education Series (YES) has a large number of classes available (with discounted park tickets) on performing topics, as well as science and history.

So the next time you go to Disney World, show your family’s performers what kind of opportunities may be available to them if they’re interested! Disney has auditions all over the country on a regular basis, and also offers an extensive program for college students (although performance opportunities in the college program are limited). This trip was great for many reasons, but was extra special because I was able to see it through the eyes of a young performer eager to absorb, enjoy and learn from the seasoned and talented Disney musicians.


August 5, 2012

A Bright Tomorrow for Fox Performing Arts Center
by Liana Allison

The day my then 5-year-old daughter wore red sparkle Mary Jane shoes and a tutu to her first park district soccer practice, I knew that chances were pretty slim we’d be making a career out of sports.

But the night she hopped up on stage as Annie in front of 250 people and commanded the audience while belting out "Tomorrow," I really, really did believe that the sun would come out, "if not today, then, well . . ." She had found her place in the world, and I had found mine as a parent of a performing artist.

As parents of musically and artistically gifted kids, we all know the value of the performing arts. The arts bring joy. They teach empathy. They create community. They offer clarity. They inspire hope. They awaken our aesthetic sensibilities. They make us think. And they make our kids smarter . . . and kinder . . . and more responsible . . . and happier.

But how many performances have you attended in middle school cafeterias with sound systems that made you cringe, and left-over banana peels from lunch under the metal fold-up chairs?

How many times has your heart fluttered in a church basement while you mouthed every word as your child recited the lines you had practiced with them 1,000 times over?

How many times has your child stood out under a tent in the rain playing an instrument, or singing or dancing her heart out?

And how many times have you lain awake wondering if all their (and your!) preparations for the big audition would pay off--delighted for a spot in the chorus on the too small, dusty, 100-year old Park District stage with the ripped curtain . . . all of which you set aside for their opportunity to learn, grow and experience the arts from the inside out?

As I write this, I’m watching the Olympics . . . millions and millions of dollars spent to showcase our athletes. I don’t begrudge them one dime--those kids are amazing! But it does occur to me that our children, performing artists all, do deserve a little better.

I happen to live in a town (Arlington Heights) where I have a performing arts center and school 5 blocks from my house. I know what that center has done for my kids, my community and my home value. I wish the same for my performing arts brethren in the far Northwest Suburbs. That is why I’m a Friend of the proposed West Dundee Fox Performing Arts Center.

More than a state-of-the-art, 258-seat theater for community and semi-equity performance, the proposed Fox Performing Arts center promises to be:
- a catalyst for economic development
- a cultural hub offering life enrichment for area residents and kids
- the tipping point toward continued revitalization that the area needs.

It could also be a new home for your kids.

I believe that there is great potential that the “sun will come out tomorrow” for this project, but not without your help. Support the arts. Support your kids. Join us.

Liana Allison is a marketing and communications consultant and mother who sometimes gets to hang out in the back row of the adult chorus of her kids' productions and loves every minute of it! She is also a volunteer with the Friends of the Fox Performing Arts Center project.


June 24, 2012

The Reason Some Kids Succeed at Learning to
Read Music and Play an Instrument!
By Theresa Villec, MusicMakers4Life

In my 20 something years of teaching music, I’ve found that the students that succeed at playing an instrument and becoming great performers have the following ingredients in their career as a student of music:

*Nurturing, caring music teacher in the early years (this is backed also by studies)

*Parents make sure they come to their lessons consistently. They almost never miss their lessons. If they do, the parent and teacher makes certain the lesson is made up in a timely manner.

*Practicing is important, to be sure. (Most people would think this is the number one reason!) But it’s not as important as coming to the lessons! My “favorite” excuse from parents when they call in to cancel a lesson is: “Johnny didn’t practice.” This is all the more reason to get them to the lesson! They will quickly learn that they will go to lessons regardless, and unless they practice, the lesson won’t be fun! Not because the teacher is mean about it (pull them from that teacher if they are), but because it’s just darn uncomfortable to admit it and have to go over the lesson again.

*Positive rewards for practicing and success. At our studio we have a music money system and a music store that helps with this a great deal. But parents can offer incentives as well!

*Regular performances at recitals, in front of peers, in front of friends.

*Learning to read music as quickly as possible! For instance, we have a class called “KinderKeys” for 4 and 5 year olds. This is a great age to start them because at this point it’s the process of learning to read that’s fun. They don’t even realize they’re learning to read music since we play games and do other musical activities. By the time they are 6 (well, even before), they are already reading music and by the time they’re 7 they can read most of the notes on the staff and play an awful lot of songs. This is important, because the 7 and older crowd understands how cool this is and just wants to be able to play immediately and the process can seem long to them. But the same approach is taken with them as well: get them to read asap and use fun games to learn! Once they can read, they are inspired by the playing, and the games and money don’t mean as much to them.

*Group Lessons: Now for some, private is better. It depends on the child, but, in general, most kids love group lessons and do very well when with other kids that have the same interest. Other reasons this works so well:

Kids are more likely to practice when they know that they have to keep up with the rest of the class.
They quickly learn that they really do have to hold that half note for 2 counts, otherwise, they are ahead of the class in the song!
They learn to be a team player as well as how to perform for others.
They have more fun than working with a boring adult for a half hour!

Once they’re more advanced, most of our students move on to private…and boy do they read and play well! We even combine them with other private students to perform as ensembles and even band acts for our recitals. Our classes also perform as both a group (at Christmastime) and individually.

If you are not in our area, seek out studios that offer classes. There are not many, but it is a growing trend, that if done well, really produces not only great enthusiasm…but great musicians!

Don’t forget about the other ingredients as well. Keep in mind that some music teachers, sadly, are frustrated musicians that really just want to play professionally. Work is slow, so they supplement by teaching. Most are perfectly fine, but if they are not kind to your child, pull them immediately. A bad teacher can destroy enthusiasm toward music (and a child’s own self-worth) faster than anything. I’ve heard many bad stories. One way, when searching for a good music teacher, to avoid this, is to look for music teachers that have a degree in music education…not just in performance. I’m keen on hiring teachers that have that type of degree because I know that they entered their career based on not only a love of music, but a love of teaching. That said, however, some of my best teachers do not have a music education degree. They have music performance degrees and play professionally on a regular basis. So it still boils down to meeting the teacher and getting a feel for their personality. Kids have a super sense about these things, so have them meet the teacher first, and trust your child’s instincts!

*Communication with the teacher. This is vital. If you are noticing a problem, or think the teacher should go in a different direction, talk to them respectfully about it. My best parents (the ones with the successful kids) are the ones that discuss anything they are unhappy about. That gives me a chance to either correct the problem (like a child that’s not challenged enough and needs more material) or explain the reason I am using a certain approach. Sometimes it’s a specific question about musical notation for a parent trying to help their child in the beginning stages. If the teacher has an attitude about it and won’t give an explanation, find a new teacher.

*Positive attitude about music and practice. The kids that we’ve had for years have parents that are positive and supportive. This means they are willing to rearrange their schedule around practice time as well as lesson times. Music becomes one of the priorities in the household. Watch for a future article on the reasons music should be a priority in your child’s life!

About the author: Theresa Villec holds a Master of Music Education Degree from the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University. She is a Certified Illinois Music Teacher and has K-8 General Music in both Public and Private Schools. She incorporated Music Makers…for Life, Inc., at 741 S. McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake, Illinois in 2006. The studio employs 11 teachers and offers group and private lessons for Voice, Piano, Guitar, Harp, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Woodwind Instruments. All of the teachers are professional musicians, and most have degrees in music and music education. More information can be found at their website: www.musicmakers4life.com or by calling 815-444-9444.


April 29, 2012

Note: It's nearly the end of the school year. Your middle-school child is on the fence about joining band in high school -- maybe they're concerned about marching band. Maybe you're concerned about what your obligations will be if they do join band. Here's some information that will hopefully convince you to convince your child!

Why You Should Be A Band Parent
From bandparenting.net

Call me Ishmael. (Well, it worked for Herman Melville.) Call me a band parent. Band parents have more important things to think about than chasing a great white whale. Now that you are or are about to be a band parent there is much you will want to know, so straight to the matter! First, you must understand the cosmic importance of the band experience to your child and by extension the importance of band parenting.

Why your child must be in band
The reasons why your child(ren) must be in band are so numerous that they would fill a book (or a website). A few of the reasons are:
1. Band is real neat. A bold statement, perhaps, but band can live up to it.
2. So you can be a band parent.
3. Your child will learn to pay attention and follow directions. Failure to pay attention on the marching field can mean being trampled by a phalanx of quick-marching sousaphones. Band members must listen to directions and keep their minds focused just to survive.
4. Your child will learn music not played on MTV. Too many young people are unaware of great art, good art or any art not in the 'Top 40'. Band will widen the scope of your child's appreciation.
5. Your child will not play pool (billiards). Playing pool is the first step on the sorry road that leads to bowling, mah jong, pin ball or even card games! Do you want your child to succumb to the questionable pleasures of cribbage? Well, of course not. Now I know all you folks are the right kind of parents. Ask yourselves, "How can any pool table ever hope to compete with a gold trombone?" Band is the answer.
6. It will keep your child off the streets (parades excepted) and away from almost everywhere else as well. Band members are too busy to get into trouble. After marching practice and other band commitments plus enough studying to stay eligible there's barely time left for eating and sleeping.

Qualifications for Band Parents
It’s so simple. You need to be the parent (or grandparent, or god-parent, or foster parent, or step-parent, or adoptive parent, or great grandparent, or even "just like a parent") of a band member. You also qualify if you are a legal guardian, court appointed surrogate, trustee in chancery, Big Brother/Big Sister or close aunt or uncle of a band member (or Regent of a band member of royal blood who is heir presumptive or better). Band Parents' Organizations properly use the widest possible definition of "parent." They say, It takes a village to raise a child. All the adults in that village should be band parents!

New band parents often wonder if they have the training and skills to be proper band parents. Band parents require wills of iron, the wisdom of Solomon, the endurance of a marathon runner, nerves of steel, the diplomacy of an ambassador, the strength of Hercules, the patience of Job, the self denial of a saint, the determination of the Little Engine That Could, plus the skills of a master mechanic, a registered nurse, a darn good carpenter, a school janitor, a Saville Row tailor, a licensed psychologist, a political campaign fund raiser and a boot camp master sergeant.
That may seem a tall order but DESPAIR NOT FOR THERE IS HOPE!

Not every band parent needs to possess all of these virtues in full. When the BPO needs wisdom two band parents, each of whom has half the wisdom of Solomon, can form a committee. Three out-of-shape couch potato band parents can move a tympani as well as one in-shape jogger band parent. Science has proved (in studies conducted by the Band Parents' Research Institute of Elkhart, Indiana) that good band parents are made, not born. Your most important qualification for band parenting is your willingness to show up. They'll teach you everything else.

Why YOU Really Really Really Should be a Band Parent
By now it will already be clear that students should be in band and that every parent can be a band parent. (If this isn't clear please go back and re-read the beginning of this page five or six times.) It is likewise true that you really should be a band parent. It is your destiny. You can no more avoid it than death, taxes and fast food commercials.
Some people still resist. They are beyond helping. The rest will advance spurious arguments in defense of their position. Seemingly compelling at first glance these arguments are easily refuted by a thorough understanding of band. Some common arguments against becoming a band parent are refuted here.

- I take care of my child. I don't have to worry about the rest of the band.
This shows a basic lack of understanding of how a band works. Bands are only as good as their weakest section. Your band member could have the finest instrument, the most expensive lessons, go to the best summer band camps and still never have any chance of winning at competition if the rest of the band is neglected. A few good players do not a good band make. In a good band every player must be good. To take care of your band member you have to help take care of the whole band.

- It’s not fair that I should have to help band members whose parents don’t want to be band parents.
It’s not fair, but that's the way it is. The school district should take care of everything the band needs.
It would be nice. Usually they just pay for the basics like band director's salaries and such. If they don't even do that, then run for the school board. You might change things for the better. There are people in every community who do not understand the importance of band. You will have to fight them for every penny. For that matter there are people in every community who do not seem to understand the importance of reading. Some of these are parents.

- I don't have enough money for band parenting.
No one does. Band always needs more money. If people waited until there was enough money for band there would be no bands. Be a good band parent with whatever money you have.

- I am very busy and do not have time for band parenting.
A person who has no time for band parenting has no time for life.

How to Become a Band Parent
Just follow this simple four step program.
1. Acquire a child.
2. Check "Yes" on school form asking if your child wants to be in band.
3. Congratulations! You are now a band parent.
4. Repeat Steps 1-3 as often as you like.

It is easy. Still, becoming a band parent is a gradual process. Many people do not entirely realize what is happening. Enlightenment comes as they sit in a band hall furiously rearranging busy business schedules to avoid conflicts with marching contests the existence of which they were happily unaware of an hour before. The road to band parenting begins when your child is in fifth or sixth grade. A letter comes about joining beginner band. At first it is no big deal. You spend some money for an instrument (OK, over $500.00 but "it will last them through high school, maybe college!" And ketchup is a vegetable. Never mind, you can sell it and recoup some of its cost when you upgrade or if your child ever does the unthinkable and quits band) and a little more money for lessons. You go to one band parent meeting a year (if that). Seventh and eighth grades come and go at the same easy pace, the occasional parade and concert, no major effort.

It is as eighth grade is winding down that the stormy petrel of band parenting appears: a form letter from the high school band director(s). This poorly reproduced missive will change your life more than any other single piece of paper you will ever see. After cheery greetings and congratulations on finishing Junior High School is the notice of a two to three week fishes' mandatory marching band camp immediately after school lets out. Then the real fun begins!


March 4, 2012

The moment is fast approaching when elementary school children will have to decide if they're interested in joining band next year. Here's some information to help you, their parent, make this decision. The following is an excerpt from an open letter to parents that appeared in SBO, School Band and Orchestra magazine, in the July 26, 2011 issue. Reprinted with permission.

Why Should Your Child Join Band?

Dear Parents,
Congratulations! Your child has chosen to start band or strings class this fall! This is exciting! But naturally, you are also apprehensive -- How much will this cost? Will my child like it? How do we choose the right instrument? Will my child stick with it? After all, he's tried karate, gymnastics, piano, and soccer, and has quit them all. Does my child even have any musical ability?

A survey done a few years ago showed that 45 percent of parents responding would not buy a musical instrument or pay for lessons for their child unless they knew that their child had some musical talent. But how do you know if your child has musical talent if he's never held an instrument or been taught how to play? How could you possibly know? Would you refuse to give your child golf clubs and take him to the driving range unless you knew that some day he'd be a scratch golfer? And even if your child never becomes a symphony musician (the musical equivalent of playing in the PGA), he may still be able to enjoy a lifetime of involvement in playing music, at whatever level, and that's certainly an endeavor worth supporting!

Parents often ask: Will my child like it? Will my child stick with it? A child's success in music is directly related to four factors: support; attitude; consistency; and open-mindedness. Also worth noting is that finances are not a significant factor in the success of young music students.

Support
Parents who are encouraging, especially through the difficult times, teach their children to reach out and to take risks, to rise to challenges, and to pursue their dreams with confidence. In contrast, parents who say, "My child never sticks with anything," are being unfair to their children and laying the groundwork for a pattern of discouragement. This is true for any endeavor, not just music; but it is one of the reasons that studying music in school can have a life-long benefit on a child's psychosocial development.

Attitude
Parents who understand the value of music in a child's education and the lifelong benefits of studying music will be thrilled that their children are participating in strings or band, and will give this endeavor their full support. Their enthusiasm will be contagious and their children will approach their musical studies with excitement as well. For parents who may not have seen the research on this, please know that it is both plentiful and irrefutable. Here are just a few examples:

- Middle school and high school students who participated in instrumental music scored significantly higher than their non-band peers in standardized tests. University studies conducted in Georgia and Texas found significant correlations between the number of years of instrumental music instruction and academic achievement in math, science, and language arts (University of Sarasota Study, Jeffrey Lynn Kluball; East Texas State University Study, Daryl Erick Trent).

- Musical training appears to dramatically enhance a child's abstract thinking skills and spatial-temporal ability -- skills necessary for mathematics and science -- even more than computer instruction does (Dr. Frances Rauscher, Univ. of California-Irvine).

- Students in school music programs show an 11 percent improvement in academics after one year of music study, a 14 percent improvement after two years, a 17 percent improvement after three years, and a 23 percent improvement after four years (Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Attitude Concepts for Today).

- High school music students score higher on SATs in both verbal and math than their non-musical peers. In 2006, SAT takers with four years of coursework/experience in music performance scored 100 points higher than students with no coursework/experience in the arts (The College Board, Princeton, N.J.).

- A school band or orchestra is a microcosm of society. It teaches cooperation, respect, listening skills, analysis and synthesis, creativity and expression, personal responsibility, interpersonal communication; all the psychosocial skills most sought after by Fortune 500 corporations in future employees. In short playing a musical instrument teaches life skills that are adaptable (and applicable) to every personal and professional challenge.

You can go to www.supportmusic.com and www.amc-music.org for many more reasons that your child should continue to study music throughout his/her entire school career. Studying music benefits a child's education in ways that no other subject can, as the skills needed to excel in music are transferable to every academic subject.

Tracy E. Leenman has nearly 40 years of teaching experience, as well as more than 15 years of experience in the music industry. A second-generation woodwind player, she has won several national awards for her work in music advocacy, including the 2009 KEYS Program Keeping the Beat Music Advocacy Award, the 2009 SCMEA Friend of Music Business Award, and the 2006 Phi Beta Mu (Theta Chapter) Outstanding Contributor Award. A noted author and clinician, she is widely respected for her work with educators, students, musicians, instrument manufacturers and retailers. In 2009, she began Musical Innovations, a company dedicated to working with parents, students, educators, and the community-at-large, to promote and strengthen school music program. She can be reached at tracy@musicalinnovations.biz.