music lessons in a divorced family

-Stathia Orwig, NCTM

The topic of divorce has been close to my heart in this past year as I have witnessed it first hand with my sister. However good or bad the situation is, the main goal is to keep our children in music lessons with a trusted teacher. It can be healing, beneficial in its consistency, and an escape for the child.

As I have watched my niece go back and forth to the different households, I have made note of some of the things that are helpful in her piano lessons. In addition, I have reached out to teachers and other divorced parents to ask about their tips and tricks. If you have other suggestions, please feel free to comment or send me a note!

• Making sure each home has a piano! This is important for consistency!
• Possibly look into getting a second pair of books to keep at one home, or come up with a system of books going back and forth.
• Give the teacher both parent's contact information; set one parent as the primary parent for decision making (in regards to recitals, festivals, tuition, etc.).
• Have the teacher send an assignment sheet to both parents. This holds both parents "accountable" for helping with practice if needed or just making them aware of assignments.
• Put the child first. Respect the relationship between teacher and student.