Why music?
Learning to play
Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Research has shown that children who study music show improvements in their mathematical skills. This is because it helps children think in terms of patterns and pictures and to consider a problem on a different level. This is the basis of the so-called 'Mozart Effect'. It gives them confidence, teaches discipline, co ordination, relieves stress, helps them to appreciate and understand their emotions. It teaches the satisfaction of working to improve, and seeing the achievement. Most importantly they will have a skill which they can share with other musicians of all ages, and that will last them for the rest of their life, for like riding a bicycle you never forget how to play an instrument.
Practice
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. Young children are generally not able to structure a practice session on their own and your input and encouragement 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. I have found that before school often works best as it is far easier to maintain the routine of this time than after school Usually teachers will use a note book to write comments and suggestions, and to list specific practice items, so make sure that you are aware of what is to be worked at. 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 practice time and not to disturb you
Some things to do
Some things to avoid
What to do if they say they want to give up
Guy Saunders
Learning to play a musical instrument is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Research has shown that children who study music show improvements in their mathematical skills. This is because it helps children think in terms of patterns and pictures and to consider a problem on a different level. This is the basis of the so-called 'Mozart Effect'. It gives them confidence, teaches discipline, co ordination, relieves stress, helps them to appreciate and understand their emotions. It teaches the satisfaction of working to improve, and seeing the achievement. Most importantly they will have a skill which they can share with other musicians of all ages, and that will last them for the rest of their life, for like riding a bicycle you never forget how to play an instrument.
Practice
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. Young children are generally not able to structure a practice session on their own and your input and encouragement 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. I have found that before school often works best as it is far easier to maintain the routine of this time than after school Usually teachers will use a note book to write comments and suggestions, and to list specific practice items, so make sure that you are aware of what is to be worked at. 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 practice time and not to disturb you
Some things to do
- Introduce your young child to nursery rhymes and songs, such as 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 to avoid
- Don’t have the television 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? Perhaps a summer course might inspire them - such as Musicale, Benenden. See Useful Links.
- 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.
- Maybe you need to reassess their practice. If they are not practising effectively, they will not progress and consquently are bound to feel disheartened.
Guy Saunders