A Parent's Guide to Piano Lessons

A Summary and Review of James Bastien's Instructional Book

Feb 2, 2009

Renowned pedagogue, composer and music teacher James Bastien leads parents through the practical considerations of piano lessons for their children.

James Bastien (1934-2005) was a faculty member at several American universities, an accompanist with Columbia and a respected teacher and piano pedagogue. He began writing music for students with his wife Jane Smisor Bastien in the 1960s. Drawing on his experience as a teacher and pedagogue, Bastien wrote A Parent’s Guide to Piano Lessons in 1976 in order to provide parents with a short, easy to read reference.

First Considerations

A slim volume of 71 pages, A Parent’s Guide to Piano Lessons is divided into a series of bolded questions and normal text answers. A point-form summary, or Checklist as it is called in the book, is provided at the end of each question, so readers can either skip to find the short answer or read the long answer and have a synopsis at the end.

There are ample illustrations in the book. They are simple drawings that depict boys and girls, parents and teachers in a slightly out-dated and stereotypical fashion. Nonetheless, they break up the text and provide the reader with good visuals. The drawings of the various types of pianos and their mechanisms are clear, useful and informative.

The Questions

The questions addressed in the book are divided into 6 chapters. The first, entitled “First Considerations,” begins with the all important question: How can I tell if my child wants lessons? It progresses to Is the piano a good choice for my child’s first instrument? and What is the purpose and goal of piano lessons?

Chapter 2 leads parents through the process of selecting a teacher. Bastien suggests that while a teacher should know how to play the piano well, “a genuine love and understanding of music, imagination, enthusiasm, patience, sincerity, and dedication” are more important than the ability to perform well.

Chapter 3 explains the different types of pianos (spinet, console, studio or upright and grand) and provides a brief overview of how they work. The question of electric pianos is briefly touched upon, as is the price of instruments. Given the changes in the last 30 years, both of these sections could be updated.

For Parents

After providing lessons, an instrument and materials, the “responsibility as a parent does not end,” writes Bastien. They must encourage and support children enrolled in piano lessons. Chapter 4, “Helping Your Beginner” and Chapter 5, “Practice Suggestions” lead parents through the practicalities of helping beginners “form correct habits which will equip [them] to continue more on [their] own.” This goal can result in a child participating in recitals, contests, festivals and auditions, which are addressed in Chapter 6.

The book ends with three helpful appendices. The first, “Brief Outline of Music Facts,” explains 14 musical concepts, such as the names of notes on the keyboard and in written form, that piano students will encounter. Appendix B is a “Brief Dictionary of Musical Terms” that will be useful for parents and students alike. The final appendix provides a “Brief Reference List” that offers 18 titles for further reading about music, the piano and parent psychology. For auditory insight into what type of music children can aspire to, parents may also be interested in the cd Piano for Playtime.

Review

Though published over 30 years ago, James W. Bastien’s A Parent’s Guide to Piano Lessons is still a valuable reference. The various points and considerations addressed by are still valid and relevant. Parents would do well to read Bastien’s question and answers before investing time and money in piano lessons for their children.

The copyright of the article A Parent's Guide to Piano Lessons in Reference Books is owned by Melissa Morelli Lacroix. Permission to republish A Parent's Guide to Piano Lessons in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.