“Success is not the key to happiness.
Happiness is the key to success.
If you love what you are doing,
you will be successful.”
Approaching music lessons with the primary goal of helping your child build character first, and then competency will provide your child with lifelong skills beyond their music lessons. Regardless of how good your child becomes at playing their instrument, the goal with lessons is to provide them the opportunities to gain experiences that learning any instrument has to offer.
Music provides undeniable social, emotional, and even physical benefits such as overcoming shyness, developing a work ethic, learning to accept criticism, installing self-confidence, relieving anxiety, and so much more.
Many studies have shown that parental support and involvement are critical factors in their music success. And a parent's attitude about how their child is progressing is also essential.
What to Do - Our Top Tips for Support
Supporting a musician is tricky. Children are very aware of being pushed, and at the same time, they love and need to be encouraged.
Be their #1 fan. Make home a safe place and celebrate their achievements and remember that private victories always precede public victories.
Be involved, and be careful not to "hover." There is a delicate balance between being there and creating too much pressure for the child to perform. Listen to their practice and acknowledge their improvement.
Expose your child to many types of music, not just the pieces they are studying. Help them build a library that "they love."
Communication is Key. If your child is struggling, let their teacher know. Teachers jump to help re-engage their students. The wonderful thing about Leading Note Studios is that we continuously work to find the right teacher or instrument for your child. Switching teachers or instruments happen, and that change can re-engage them with their lessons.
Music is a marathon, certainly not a sprint. Teaching a child that the best things in life come to those who wait and work hard is a fantastic lesson used in many other life challenges.
Our Top Tips on what NOT to Do.
Do not use practice as punishment. Encourage their love of music, not the chore of music.
Do not make fun of mistakes or apologize for less-than-perfect playing or performances. Encourage learning.
Do not push or insist your child play or sing for others unless they want to. Encourage sharing, not performing.
Encourage your child to stick with lessons for an agreed amount of time if they lose interest. Encourage the lifelong enjoyment of music.
Meet with your child's teacher and see what they feel you could do at home to help with support and lessons. Teachers know what it took for them to keep working and learning on their instruments.
Remember, music lessons are an investment that genuinely lasts a lifetime. You are never too old or too young to continue to participate in the great Art of Music!