I have been a performer and musician for most of my life. I love music! I don’t remember a time that music did not have an impact on my life. I sang practically all day, and I begged my parents for music lessons on the piano and the flute. Well…My parents were not musicians, we did not own a piano, and lessons took time and money. So needless to say, that didn’t happen. I was excited to know that I would be able to play an instrument in my school music program starting in the 4th grade. The first thing was song flute, which I excelled at. Then I was able to pick a real life wind instrument in the 5th grade, and I chose clarinet, despite the fact that I loved the flute. I found out later as an adult, that I originally picked the flute, but my parents couldn’t find a reasonably priced used one, nor did they want to pay the price for a new one. But guess what they did find at a reasonable price? You guessed it, the clarinet! Long story short, I played it well for a few years, but chose not to continue through middle school. I look back and realize that I discontinued, due to the fact that I was allowed to. Although I was on the fence, I wasn’t encouraged to play on. Luckily, that was not an option as far as singing department. I just loved it too much. I hear a lot of adults say that they wish that they would have continued their instrument, and not quit. Which comes to my point. How do you know when to encourage a child to keep going when it comes to playing an instrument and not quit. Music is a substantial part of life. It is an innate and important language. Being a Music Together teacher has given me a wonderful insight on the positive effects and benefits of music.
All 4 of my children play instruments. We home school, so our music is obtained through private lessons. They attend the Suzuki Royal Oak Institute of Music and they learn the Suzuki method. It is very parent oriented. As when a child learns to talk, 1)Parental Involvement is in the musical learning of their child. They attend lessons with the child and serve as “home teachers” during the week. Parents work with the teacher to create an enjoyable learning environment. But needless to say, as a parent of children who play multiple instruments, it is very tough. The process includes listening to the current songs, singing the song and then playing it. This is what yields the most success. This takes managed time, patience, and effort. I like to connect with other parents to share and learn the techniques they use to create a successful musical experience and efficient musician. The premise is that, EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN. Here are other important points to enhance success through studying the Suzuki method, (but is totally usable with any music teaching method). I have included an excerpt from https://suzukiassociation.org/about/suzuki-method/ . You can find out more on the website.
These tips can assist in supporting and creating a successful musician. This is not to necessarily create a musical professional, but to at least, and at most, have a patron and supporter of the arts. As well as a fulfilled human being.
The early years are crucial for developing mental processes and muscle coordination. Listening to music should begin at birth; formal training may begin at age three or four, but it is never too late to begin.
Children learn words after hearing them spoken hundreds of times by others. Listening to music every day is important, especially listening to pieces in the Suzuki repertoire so the child knows them immediately.
Constant repetition is essential in learning to play an instrument. Children do not learn a word or piece of music and then discard it. They add it to their vocabulary or repertoire, gradually using it in new and more sophisticated ways.
As with language, the child’s effort to learn an instrument should be met with sincere praise and encouragement. Each child learns at his/her own rate, building on small steps so that each one can be mastered. Children are also encouraged to support each other’s efforts, fostering an attitude of generosity and cooperation.
6)Learning with Other Children
In addition to private lessons, children participate in regular group lessons and performance at which they learn from and are motivated by each other.
Children do not practice exercises to learn to talk, but use language for its natural purpose of communication and self-expression. Pieces in the Suzuki repertoire are designed to present technical problems to be learned in the context of the music rather than through dry technical exercises.
Children learn to read after their ability to talk has been well established. in the same way, children should develop basic technical competence on their instruments before being taught to read music.
Trust me, I am not always a happy camper when it comes to being the “home teacher”, but understanding the reward through the hard work, is my motivation. So if you are thinking about starting your child on an instrument, or if you want to quit with your child(smile), know that what you are giving them is something special. Toys fade, but the gift of music lasts a lifetime. Explore music programs in your area and even take lessons for yourself, and re-kindle the inner musician in you. Remember that child who wishes that they would have kept up the instrument of their adolescence. Keep that dream alive for your child. They will love you for it (probably in the long run, I wouldn’t look for any instant gratification just yet). But I guess my point is, our children need us to encourage them in the things that matter. Don’t just quit because it’s too hard. Everything is hard, but it gets better with practice. It will pay off in the long run. Take it from a parent of children who play multiple instruments. It aint easy, but it’s worth it. Remember- I’m talking to myself. (smile)
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Do you have a little musician? How do you practice with them? Is it hard, easy? I have been a performer and musician for most of my life. I love music! I don't remember a time that music did not have an impact on my life.
