Sometimes - despite the best efforts of the student, teacher, and parent - music lessons just aren't a good fit. How do you know when to encourage your child to persevere, and when to let them quit? If your child loses interest in music lessons (and it seems to be more than a phase) set up a time to speak with the teacher, away from your child, and find out their opinions. Discuss whether the child is enjoying the actual lessons, if they're progressing well, and if there something that is frustrating them.
In many cases, it is far better to allow your child to take a break from lessons and try again in six months or a year than burn them out. In the meantime, however, continue to gently encourage their musical abilities and provide them with positive musical experiences. Chances are that after taking a break, they will probably be more than ready to try again with a more positive outlook!
I hope that this "Parents Guide to Music Lessons" has been helpful to you! If you missed any of the previous posts, you can check them out here:
Now, with all of the benefits music education offers, what are you waiting for? Get ready, go out, and make a lifetime of musical memories with your family!
You play an important role in your child's musical development, and it's important for you to stay involved after setting lessons up! Even if you don't have any musical abilities or experience, there are several things that you can do to increase your child's success.
Begin by making practice a part of your daily routine. Perhaps the best time for your child to practice is after dinner, or maybe right before bed. Whatever the case may be, but it on the calendar and stick with it! While they practice, listen and applaud their accomplishments and provide encouragement as they struggle through difficult concepts.
Remember that practice doesn't have to be boring - you can mix things up once in a while! Once a week, you might try asking your child to play a "concert" of their favorite pieces. Gather the family around as an audience, or (better yet) as fellow performers! Write songs together, or simply perform for each other. Can't play an instrument? No problem - let your child teach you! Sit down with them and ask them to teach you what they are learning. Be sure to make plenty of silly mistakes for them to correct!
Keep in communication with your child's teacher. Observe what your child is learning, and check in with the teacher on occasion to see how your child is progress. Follow up on their goals for the lessons. Additionally, if you notice that your child is struggling with a concept during the week, don't hesitate to help your child call or e-mail the teacher for advice! Many teachers would rather help their students between lessons than delay progress.
The best thing you can do for your child, though, is to let them see you enjoying music. Take them to concerts and musicals, listen to a variety of music, and sing loudly with the radio - even if you think you can't sing! Make music a part of your everyday life.
If your child is in music lessons, how do you stay involved? Leave a comment and let us know!
Just as with any other investment, it's important to shop around before settling on a teacher. Luckily, there is no shortage of private music instructors! A quick Google search or flip through the yellow pages reveals dozens of teachers eager to teach your budding little Mozart - the task simply becomes finding the correct teacher for your child. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by the volume of teachers available. Begin by narrowing your choices down by instrument, then start calling around. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions, a good teacher should be understanding and more than happy to answer them!
Though you probably have plenty of questions of your own, make sure that you ask the following questions:
1. What is your musical education and background?
Don't immediately rule out teachers without a degree in music (qualified musicians don't always make excellent teachers) but make a special note of those teachers who do, particularly if you have an older child with an interest in pursuing music as a career.
2. What is your teaching experience? What ages do you teach/have you taught?
Look for an experienced teacher who enjoys teaching children similar in age to yours. Sending your preschooler to take lessons with a teacher who prefers older students (or vice versa) is setting both your child and the instructor up for frustration.
3. What materials do you use to teach? What styles of music do you teach?
This is a particularly important question. If you are not familiar with the materials, do a quick search of them on the internet. Do they look like something that your child would enjoy? Do they teach the style of music your child is interested in?
4. What elements do you include in your lessons?
Look for a teacher who incorporates music theory (how to read music) into their lessons, in addition to the technique necessary to play an instrument. Some teachers may also go above and beyond and teach music history, ear-training, or other music related concepts.
5. What is your teaching policy?
Teaching policies include tuition rates, expectations for attendance and practice, and other business related tasks. Think about whether or not the lessons are within your price range and if you can make the necessary time commitment.
6. Why do you teach? What are your goals for your students?
Look for a teacher who is passionate about teaching, and find one who has goals for his or her students that are closely aligned with your goals for your child.
After asking these questions, you should have a better idea of which teacher or teachers would be best for your child. Don't be shy in asking for an introductory lesson! Use that time to watch how the teacher interacts with your child. Do they seem to get along well? Is the teacher enthusiastic and excited about teaching? Ask your child how they felt about the lesson - after all, they will be the one making the commitment to practice and learn!
If you have any other suggestions of questions to ask or any recommendations on how to find a good music teacher, please leave a comment and let us know! Otherwise, don't forget to check out the other posts in this series:
Children are hardwired to love music, and studies show that parents approve! A 2005 Harris poll showed that 93% of Americans believe that the arts are an important part of education. Setting up music lessons, however, can be a daunting task for parents. How do you know if music lessons are right for your child? How do you pick a teacher? What can you do to make sure that music lessons are a success? The answers to these questions are easier than you think! In this new post series, I'll help you navigate how to choose a teacher, determine your role as the parent of a young musician, and more! Today, we'll be discussing how to find the right type of lessons for your child.
The first step in setting up music lessons is picking the correct type of lessons for your child - music lessons are not "one size fits all." Although there are several things to take into account when determining the right lessons for your child (including attention span, motor skills, and reading ability) the biggest determining factor is age. Generally speaking, preschoolers are better suited for classes that foster music appreciation, while elementary aged children benefit more from formal music lessons.
When choosing a class for your preschooler, you have several options. Kindermusik, Musikgarten, and Music Together are the largest providers of preschool music education programs, but there are many well-qualified teachers who provide classes independently. Choose a class that focuses on music appreciation, and incorporates the use of simple rhythm instruments, creative movement, and games.
Once children reach first or second grade, many have developed the reading abilities, motor skills, and cognitive abilities necessary for more formal lessons. Assuming they are ready and willing to make a practice commitment, you can choose an instrument and set them up for a weekly lesson. Take care in selecting an instrument, making sure that you choose one appropriate for your child's age and development. (For instance, a trombone may not be the best choice of instrument for your first grader, but a piano would be perfect!)
Now it's your turn to chime in! Do your children take music lessons? What type(s) of lessons do they take, and when did you start them?
Read the rest of the series here:
