You can encourage your young child in piano lessons to play for others by giving them many opportunities to play for family and friends. This will help your piano student to build trust and confidence in others. Remember, even though kids can be so cute, dont laugh at your child if they make a mistake while playing for others. Also avoid criticism of their playing and dont make excuses for how they played either. It is enough to simply say Thank you to your little performer for sharing their talent with others. This will send your child the message that they are an individual who is a valued member of your family and community who has something to offer to others. Playing for family and friends prepares children to play for larger audiences, such as at piano recitals and auditions.

If you want to have a conversation with your child about sharing their gifts with others, here is a positive way to go about it. Use the questions below to start a conversation with your child that will help them appreciate the positive benefits of performing.

1. We all have gifts of ability to share with others.

2. Playing the piano for others is how you can share your musical talent.

3. Can you think of abilities that other people share with you?

4. How do you feel when people share with you?

5. What would happen if no one shared their gifts and abilities with others?

Follow this plan it will go a long way toward encouraging your child in piano lessons to share their musical gifts with others and build a positive history of performance experience.

Cynthia VanLandingham

Cynthia VanLandingham's Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources create an exciting musical adventure for children ages 5 to 11. Visit PianoAdventureBears.com for free samples of her Piano Adventure Story Books and piano resources for children. She is also the author of The Wonder Guide to Creativity.

Cynthia has been teaching piano in Tallahassee, Florida for 20 years and is the owner of TallyPiano & Keyboard Studios. She is a member of the American College of Musicians National Guild of Piano Teachers, the President of TallyPiano Enterprises, LLC, and a graduate of the Florida State University College of Education. Visit her website at TallyPiano.com to download her original, uplifting piano compositions, including "The Potter's Wheel." While you're there subscribe to her free internet newsletter, Piano Matters, and read the Wonder Guide to Creativity Online.

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