Steps for Encouraging Children to Play Musical Instruments

Summary

Steps for Encouraging Children to Play Musical Instruments
Decades of research confirms the profound impact learning to master a musical instrument has on a child’s academic and developmental outcomes. Data shows that students actively involved in instrumental music develop enhanced critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as greater capacities for concentration, communication and leadership. Such benefits represent nothing less than music to many a parent’s ears.

Those same parents, however, need to be aware that they have a crucial role to play in supporting their student’s instrumental music education. Here are a few steps they can take to ensure their child maximizes his or her capacity to master a musical instrument.

Go Outside the Lines: When teaching classical instruments like piano, cello or violin, many parents and music teachers commit the fatal faux pas of only introducing students to classical music. Truth is, children brim with energy and readily respond these days to beats and melodies. The solution? Supplement the classical repertoire with selections from a variety of different genres that are familiar to them. This will demonstrate how their instrument fits into the broader musical universe.

Nothing Beats Live: Again, it's vital to show student musicians how their instrument fits into the wider musical context. Instead of having your child working in isolation on their instrument, take them to see a musical, marching band or school play, all of which will provide important examples of the fulfilling, communal activities they can participate in upon mastering their instrument.

Take It Slow: For a youngster just staring out, the process of learning to play an instrument can be frustrating. It is imperative that parents make it clear that this will be a slow process while also showing them that hard work pays off. One way to achieve the latter is to introduce your child to a role model, preferably someone a few years older who's been playing for a while. When they see someone their size play well, they'll want to do it too.
Remember Rewards: Eventual gratification is anathema for a child, so it's vital to establish a reward system for the continued practice and dedication to the instrument. The system can be as simple as keeping a tally of how many times they have played a particular piece well. Always bear in mind that rewards should be tailored to the child's interests and age and need not involve music.
Scheduling: Every person has certain times during the day when they are at their most productive. It’s the same with children, so if you're having trouble coaxing your child into after-school practice, try switching to mornings. Morning practices are calmer and provide far fewer distractions than the afternoon.”

Go Public: Getting your child up in front of an audience can be powerful tool. In consolation with you student, invite some family members and friends over, provide refreshments and let your child show off. They'll feel empowered and encouraged by the applause and compliments.

At Harmony Communities, we feel strongly that each resident has a sense of home. That they come home from work and feel pride in their environment and in their place in the greater community. That families are comfortable raising children in our neighborhoods, and that couples and singles know that they belong to something bigger than their four walls. In other words, we seek to create harmony within each community, making our communities not just passable, but peaceful, safe, functional, and beautiful.