How to take lesson notes that will transform your child's progress at home

Not every teacher has parents sit it on lessons and take notes, but I believe this is so incredibly important for younger students. When you sit in on piano lessons and take good notes, it enables you to help your child well at home between lessons, which leads to faster, more consistent progress and keeps your child motivated!

Here are some tips for taking notes that will be truly helpful to you and your child:

1. Use a notebook and pen

While there isn't anything inherently wrong with using a digital device to take notes on, I highly recommend using a notebook and pen instead. There are several advantages to this. For one, we remember things better when we write them out by hand. This method of notetaking also keeps all the lesson notes in one dedicated place that your child can have access to at any time, which becomes increasingly important as they transition into practicing more independently.

2. Listen attentively

It may be tempting to answer texts or be engrossed in your phone during your child's lesson, but trust me when I say that you will be so much better equipped to help your child practice at home when you are staying engaged during their lessons. Taking notes offers a way to be actively engaged while also giving you something to do with your hands during lesson time. It is helpful to write down assignments and clear instructions, as well as any specific corrections and teacher feedback.

3. Ask questions for clarity

If something isn't clear, don't be afraid to ask your teacher for an explanation. Ensure that you understand any musical terms, practice strategies, and details of what and how to practice so you can have a successful week at home in between lessons.

4. Organize your notes in a list format

Although you don't have to take notes this way for them to be effective, I suggest at least giving it a try because a list with bullet points is visually easy to follow along with and can help keep things simple for practice. It's not a bad idea to separate sections for different aspects of practice like scales and technical exercises, repertoire, and theory assignments. You can even ask your teacher to help you craft a practice list for your child to follow each day so they have a guide to help them get all their assignments in, especially when limited practice time is available.

5. Record practice techniques and strategies

Write down any special practice techniques your teacher suggests – using the strategies your teacher offers will lead to more effective practice sessions and steady progress. Be specific so that you and your child will know exactly how to approach practicing each assignment when you review your notes.

6. Jot down musical and technical details

I can't tell you how many times a student has come to their piano lesson and told me "I forgot" when I asked them if they worked on dynamics, articulations, playing with arm weight, etc. So, if anything is mentioned that is meant to improve the quality of playing or the experience of playing, please write it down!

7. Keep notes clear and concise

Try to include all the important details without making it too wordy. Keeping it concise will help ensure that the notes feel accessible for a practice session – this especially applies when it comes to children.

These are notes that a parent in my studio took during a lesson. This student currently has a lot of repertoire they are working on, so the notes really help them stay on top of things at home!

8. Review and use the notes at home

Reviewing your notes in between lessons ensures that you are following your teacher's suggestions and staying on a trajectory of steady progress. This will also help with setting tangible micro goals to accomplish in each practice session. For example, you notice that your teacher wanted your child to work out the transition between measures 8 and 9 on a piece they are polishing. That is a perfect bite-sized goal to tackle during one practice session!

Your notes will only be helpful to you and your child if you see them. When you get home from the piano lesson, get that music notebook open to the most recent lesson notes and place it on the music stand so your notes are in sight every single time that practice time rolls around!

Thanks for reading! I hope this post gave you some helpful insight into how your notes can boost the effectiveness of your practice and transform your child's progress in between lessons.

If you found this post to be beneficial, please share it with someone you think it would bless!

Want to support the work I'm doing here? Buy me a coffee! ☕