Before You Let Your Child Quit Music Lessons, Try These 5 Things
Music education can do wonders for children! However, since it is generally not mandatory, kids often too quickly lose motivation for music lessons! In today's article, we are going to discuss some of the potential reasons for this situation and ways to deal with it.
Music is undoubtedly something that everyone, or at least almost everyone likes. There are so many types from traditional and classical through jazz, rock, punk to modern electronic music, and so on plus subtypes that it is unimaginable not to like something.
Same as adults, most kids like music. They are often attracted to the idea of playing an instrument – especially something that they see as cool… such as guitar or drums.
Loving music and wanting to play an instrument is one thing while learning, and being tenacious is something else.
Kids, especially older ones, are well aware of the fact that playing an instrument can make them more accessible among their peers. That makes them especially thrilled about the idea.
However, initial excitement can quickly fade when they realize that mere desire isn't sufficient to become a good musician.
It requires a lot of hours of daily practice before they even manage to make their fingers follow the commands their brain gives. Sudden understanding that it isn't easy to handle makes them often lose motivation.
Because music lessons aren't seen as mandatory, like math or literature, many parents don't want to push their kids to continue if they don't feel like it. However, you shouldn't let the kids quit music lessons before making sure that you have done enough to keep them motivated.
We are going to discuss some of the things you can do to try to explain to your kids why they should keep on working on their music skills.
Significance of Music Lessons
Some of you might feel relieved when your child decides he/she doesn't want to take music lessons anymore. It is one thing less to handle in your child’s super busy schedule. We advise that you try to persuade them to keep on as most of the time it is a phase, and your child might regret quitting.
Music education is very beneficial for kids because it reaches well beyond developing musical talents. Various studies, such as one conducted by researchers for the University of Toronto, show that it increases their IQ. Besides, it supports the development of both fine and gross motor skills, increases confidence, improves academic results and social skills, and so on.
If your kid is still a baby and can't play music, you even might want to introduce them to it. In this case, you might find that an infant to toddler rocker might help develop a sense of rhythm.
Now let's see how to try and persuade kids to continue with online music lessons or private music lessons.
Respect Your Kid’s Choice of Musical Instrument
Sometimes we think that we know best what instrument is suitable for our children. This, however, doesn't have to be by a child's interest. For example, you might insist that your child plays violin whereas he or he might be attracted to drums or saxophone more. Keep in mind that it is more important that they take music lessons rather than you pushing for your preferred musical instrument. If you let your kid play the instrument of his choice, chances are that he/she will be more motivated and successful.
Motivate Your Kid To Play Music
You know how challenging it can be even for us to find the strength to keep on going when we run into obstacles. Imagine how it must be with kids. Until they manage to motivate themselves, you will need to push them to do it. One way is to introduce some reward system. For example, if you are living with a tween or teen, you must think of something they like. You can arrange to take them to their favorite musician’s concert…. Offer to help them get something they want in exchange for online music lessons or another type of music lessons. We promise that after some time, rewards won't be needed.
Adjust Musical Expectations
This is important, especially for parents who are musical themselves. For example, if your kid is little and has been taking music lessons for toddlers, keep in mind that they still can't play as well as you might expect. Instead of assuming that she or he must be a musical prodigy let them develop at their own pace. They must live their kindergarten music lessons more as something entertaining than as a duty.
Make Music Lessons Pleasant
Routine is, of course, important for kids in general and especially for music lessons. But if they have the feeling that they don't have a choice, that it is something they must do even if sometimes they don't want to, it is likely that they will become reluctant.
Instead of taking the “mandatory approach”, ask them on which days they would like to have lessons, discuss together the choice of teacher and so on. It will make the lessons seem less like schoolwork and more like something they are doing for themselves. Therefore they will be happier and more interested.
Help them Realize the Importance of Music
Music education is undoubtedly beneficial in children’s development but often doesn't receive the significance it deserves. That makes kids often lose motivation for taking music lessons. It, however, doesn't mean that you cannot do something to change the situation. As you can see, there are many ways you can keep your kids motivated and make them realize why this is good for them.
About the Author
Rachel Burns is a New York-based writer and blogger. When she was 10, she started to listen to jazz, and soon after, she asked her mother to take saxophone lessons. She never became a professional musician, but she has been playing ever since. As an adult, she became interested in music education for kids, and she is researching and writing about it for about four years.
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