Introducing your child to learning a musical instrument
Introduction
We live in a culture in which many people seek instant, or at least fairly quick, gratification. Learning a musical instrument is a long-term undertaking based on the idea of ‘delayed gratification’. That is to say, a lot of work usually needs to go in before very much will come out. To use a financial analogy, dividends may not appear on your investment for quite some time.
But if you, as a parent, are prepared to spend time with your child, being involved in their practice and progress, then they will reap the many wonderful benefits being able to make music offers. If it’s important and of value to you, then it will become important to your child.
Children will take the skills that they learn as part of learning an instrument into many areas of their life. Learning to delay gratification is a vital part of developing as human being.
The most important contribution that you can make as a parent is to sit with your child while they’re practising for at least ten minutes every day. Only by doing this will they make real progress. Children are generally not able to structure a practice session on their own and your input is vital. Find a time in the day that suits both you and your child, when you are both relaxed and you can give your child your full attention. Make this a regular routine, like brushing teeth, and expect this to carry on for years. Ask other members of the family, particularly any siblings, to respect this practise time and not to disturb you.
Some things to do
Introduce your young child to nursery rhymes and songs, like This Old Man, The Grand Old Duke of York, or ‘rounds’ like Frere Jacques. Get them to sing along – children follow by example, so don’t be embarrassed! Sing in the car, in the bath – wherever. Enthusiasm is everything – vocal quality is irrelevant.
Encourage them to make up their own songs, perhaps using rhyming words
Take your child to a music shop and enjoy looking at the instruments, as well as the fun products like stickers, mugs, posters and so on.
Listen to as much live music of different styles as you can with your child – a town band, buskers, or a local concert. Make sure that the music is of a sensible duration though, otherwise boredom will set in and they won’t want to go again. Maybe just the first half of a concert is enough.
Follow the teacher’s advice when it comes to exams. It is not helpful to put your child in for an exam before they are ready.
Some things not to do
Don’t have the TV on or any other sound source in the background when your child is practising.
Don’t compare your child’s progress, or level of achievement, with that of other children: children develop at different rates.
Don’t treat your child as a circus animal: they may not relish playing to family and friends at your request. Some subtle tactics may be needed here!
What to do if they say they want to give up
Try to find out the underlying reasons for any dissatisfaction.
Would playing in a band or small group of some kind help to motivate them?
If your child has pressure at school, perhaps through exams, then make sure they know that their music can take a back seat for a while. Let them simply enjoy playing when time allows, without the expectation of progress being made. Make sure that the teacher is aware of any pressures from homework, exams, or other activities.