| Music teachers and parents would be ecstatic if | | | | cost. In some situations, the mentor actually |
| they could just get their children to practice their | | | | works for the teacher. The pay is put into the |
| instrument more often. A practice mentor may | | | | monthly lesson fee, and the teacher pays the |
| just be the trick to get an extra day or two of | | | | mentor. Another arrangement is that the mentor |
| solid practice in before your next lesson. What is | | | | receives free lessons in exchange for mentoring |
| a practice mentor? Usually it is an older and more | | | | other children. As you can see, there are several |
| advanced music student who helps a younger | | | | ways to work out the financial arrangements. |
| student practice one or two days a week. | | | | The qualifications for a practice mentor would be |
| Younger students love having the focused | | | | a student who is advanced in his or her music |
| attention of an older student. In most cases, | | | | studies, with an outgoing personality. The teacher |
| young students look forward to the mentoring | | | | should communicate with the mentor on the |
| sessions and try their best to impress the older | | | | pieces or skills to focus on during the practice |
| student. The mentor, on the other hand, loves to | | | | session. The lesson plan should be well-outlined for |
| demonstrate their advanced skills for the younger | | | | the mentor to follow. Mentors should not be |
| student. A mentor can empathize with the | | | | teaching any new technical points, but be more of |
| hardships of practice, and offer tips to make the | | | | a "coach" who encourages the student through |
| practicing process easier. A mentor can also be an | | | | the practice plan. |
| inspiration for a student just starting music | | | | If you are considering a practice mentor for your |
| lessons. If the mentor plays one or two dazzling | | | | child, make sure to make the arrangements |
| pieces before or after each practice session, it will | | | | through your music teacher so that everyone is |
| have a fantastic motivational effect on the | | | | on the same page. It is best to try one or two |
| younger student. | | | | mentoring sessions first to see if mentoring is a |
| Parents are usually happy to pay a mentor to | | | | good fit for your situation. If it does work, it may |
| work with their child. The pay is usually half the | | | | be the key to happy practicing and rapid progress |
| amount of what the lessons with the teacher | | | | for the beginning or struggling music student. |