1. Create meaningful ways to perform!
Performing as much as possible will boost your child’s confidence. However, you could do even better by creating opportunity for them to give back through music. For example, my students right now are thinking about doing anti-bullying concerts. They have performed at community centers and at children hospitals. Talk to your teacher and see if that might be something they would be interested in doing.
2. Have your child help younger children!
Want to develop your child’s character? Then, provide situations where your child or student can help others. Of course that can be done outside the music lessons. However, I do believe that music education is a vehicle to develop character and both music playing and character development can strengthen each other.
3. Give choices! It is empowering to young people!
Do they need to practice – YES! Do they need to be consistent – YES! However, within the practice session you can give your child choices. They can pick the order of the review pieces, make up new words to the songs, make up a game, etc. Listen to you child – they get much more creative than adults do and they will help guide you to the best way for them to practice.
4. Help your child see the benefits of music!
It is very important to step back and take the time to appreciate our child’s progress. Have they extended their practice time? Have they leaped through different pieces? Has their enthusiasm grown? Have they made new friend through their music classes?
Talk to your child about it. And talk about it often. Help them see how and what they have achieved.
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Related article: The Healing Power of Music-How Music Can Save Children’s Life
So we are very lucky to have Maria as Zoe’s music teacher (of course…
and in directly so is Bella the (Suzuki) dog…
Maria is very “in tune” with her students I think, and really understands their particular needs motivations and ways of thinking. That’s so important to be a successful teacher I think.
From time to time when we are in dead-lock in practicing at home I try not to turn things into a power struggle, so sometimes a judicious use of bribery helps from time to time. At the moment she is finding the pieces, technique and the work very rewarding so sometimes I am mindful of trying to keep things fresh and maybe not over practice to the point where things can become dull. Better that we have had a FUN cooperative practice than necessarily having nailed every slur. The big picture and a lifelong love of music is far more important I think, so sometimes I try to make an effort to be hands off and let Zoe claim ownership for the things she really likes. So what Maria says in point 3 of “Four ways to Empower you Child” is very apt in our case.
We are enjoying the chocolate and munching our way through things to stay on schedule.
I put this one out there… Do you think playing a musical instrument makes you a target for bullies in US schools. I am originally from the UK and went to a very musical school so not an issue really. Would be interested to hear what things are like for young musicians in US public schools?
(maybe I post to the other entry)…
Cheers,
Zoe’s Dad.
Hello,
Thank you for your post! Zoe is developing as a great player and at the same time she feels ownership for her development. I am happy that you apply three of the four points in the post:) So…which one are we missing ???
I loved your post! and the tips can be used for other types of activities too.
have a gorgeous sunday
jutta
Hey Jutta,
Yes, I feel that music lessons need to be about educating the whole child and not just about the instrument. I am trying to write or advice my parents on things that they can transfer into other areas of their lives as well!
Thank you for your comment! And, have a lovely Sunday as well!!!
Maria
Hi Maria,
I LOVE this post! What a way to teach children to be leaders when they get older :). Thank you for sharing this at the Show Off Blog Party! I had to share on my Facebook page and Google Plus too 🙂
Jessica
The Wondering Brain
Thank you Jessica! I appreciate the link to your FB page.