Want to know How to Keep Your Child Interested in Musical Study? Today, we’ll teach you simple steps involved in keeping your child’s attention in their music books.
Most parents want their child/children to learn something unique or significant during their early childhood age. This is because retainment and deep appreciation for new musical studies are best when taken at a young age.
For instance, parents who want their children to take up ballet lessons start at the very early age of three years old. This is because the earlier you start, the more flexible you are and the easier your bones can adapt to the training.
One of the most common paths is Musical Study. In music, kids who start to learn instruments at a young age tend to improve their motor skills more such as finger and hand coordination movements. Thus, giving them more accuracy and precision when playing an instrument (Concordia University and the Montreal Neurological Institute).
On The Side Note
However, do note that kids have their unique skills and interests. While a piano might work for one, for another the guitar might be more suitable. Taking into consideration their personal interests would help them discover their talents.
Forcing your child into playing a particular musical instrument might only cause them to experience “toxic stress.” This is due to an increased cortisol production. Cortisol is a stress hormone which can negatively affect a child’s brain development.
Today, we will be giving you basic tips on how to keep your child interested in the musical study.
What To Consider When Choosing An Instrument to Learn
#1 Your child’s capabilities and preferences.
Personally, I think this is the most important factor to consider when your child will be choosing his/her instrument for the first time. Taking things by his pace, capabilities, and interests will help keep him/her in that field.
Your child’s abilities and innate skills will partly help him/her decide which instrument to learn. At an early age, I decided to learn the piano because I realized that my hands couldn’t keep up with the guitar or drums.
Nothing beats a natural passion and appreciation for music. This will fuel your child’s determination to learn more about music and his/her particular instrument. Unless you want to play tough love with your child, then you can try imposing a musical instrument to him/her.
However, beware that this might get you into several fights and tantrums.
#2 Your budget for your child’s music study.
Now, the musical education isn’t just all about preferences. Your child might be hell bent set on learning a particular instrument, but is your wallet ready? If you want your child to be committed to an instrument, be prepared for its possible expenses. Such as music lessons, instrument maintenance and buying the device itself.
Save up as early as you can.
On the other hand, this is not related to budgeting at all. However, it’s also an important factor to consider. Is space readily available at home? If your child decides to play the drums or a piano, is it going to be fit at home?
#3 Do you like the instrument yourself?
Can you stand listening to that instrument all day long as your child practices? If you think you’re not fond of that particular instrument, then at least try to develop an appreciation for it or your child’s efforts to learn it.
He/she will need emotional support and encouragement from you in learning that instrument. So it is important that you show attentiveness to him/her.
Tips On How To Keep Your Child Interested in Music
You might’ve already read about the many benefits of learning music, especially at an early age. Here are a few tips on how to keep your child interested in music.
#1 Pay attention to your child.
It’s imperative that you pay attention to your child’s passion for music. Be his/her number one fan. Be involved and be interested. Keep track of their learning, but not in a prying way. Show unconditional love and support, so they know you care about their passion.
Who knows? Maybe your child could be the next Mozart or Beethoven?
#2 Enrol your child in a private lesson.
This might be a little pricey, but if it can help your child focus more, then this might be worth it. Private lessons can have a lot of benefits.Children tend to shy away from experimenting and asking questions when they are integrated with other kids.
They might even be scared of making mistakes in front of other kids which can affect their confidence and self-esteem.
#3 Make practicing fun.
Even without his/her tutor, you can still motivate your child to continue practicing by making it more fun. You can start by watching him/her practice. Or if you know how to play the instrument, personally guide him/her.
Doing some sort of game or quiz bee-ish practice with rewards or incentives after might also do the trick.
#4 Engage your child in music education as early as possible.
We already listed down reasons how starting young can make significant changes in your child’s learning capability. Starting young will help them develop deeper love and appreciation for music.
But then again, this doesn’t mean that you should force your child. A gentle nudge will do.
At the end of the day
Some kids do not need any encouragement at all as they find themselves attracted to music at an early age on their own. It’s still up to your child which branch of the arts he/she will commit to. What’s important is your support for their passion. Remember that that’s what makes a future prodigy in music.
How to Keep Your Child Interested in Musical Study is a guest post by Mark Harrison.
Mark Harrison is a professional guitarist from MusicalStudy.com. His blog is an online resource center dedicated to providing knowledge about music and musical instruments, focuses specifically on guitars. And Mark loves to share his knowledge with everyone.
