So your child got very excited about music. She wants to learn how to play an instrument. You brought the instrument and signed her up for lessons. Of course practicing between lessons will be key to learning and mastering skills. Getting your child to practice between lessons may not always be challenging, but probably, most likely, there will come a time that she may not be very enthusiastic to practice. Here are some tips from music teachers, psychologists and other experts on how to better motivate your child to practice.
-It is very important that the child be the one making the decision about what instrument to play. Also she should be the one deciding what type of music she’ll be learning. Children by the age of 9, or even younger will have preferences. Choosing personalized, one on one lessons easily allows for these choices.
-Practice shouldn’t be measured by “amount of time used for practice”, but by achieving a goal for the day. For example being able to play certain cords, scales, motive, or a drum fill or beat. Have your child be involved in deciding what the goal should be for the day. Maybe she’ll decide to practice little bits of a song she wants to play each day.
-Try not to make it feel like an obligation, instead, try to get your child to “play for you” or challenge him to play exercises she learned last week or increase her speed. Maybe she can teach you how to play what she learned in her last lesson.
-Be your child’s biggest fan. Ask about their lessons, have them show you what they’ve learned. Always encourage them. Maybe you can take lessons too and then practice together. Be involved and always be enthusiastic about practice time and music in general
-Keep track of your child’s accomplishments, maybe by keeping a journal or a board displayed in the living room or kitchen. Celebrate success by doing something special. Maybe a special dinner, breakfast or meal, or outing.
-Have your child perform as much as possible. For family members at family gatherings. School events if possible. Recitals. Getting ready for a performance is very motivating.
-Show your child the value of music. Talk about how many people would love to have this opportunity to learn music but not everyone does. Maybe you or other adult family members can explain how they took lessons for a short while and quit and now regret it. Take your child to concerts and shows. Play music at home, sing along. Watch musicals. Dance.
-Find the right teacher. This is probably the most important factor. Find a teacher who understands your child’s learning style, and a person who’s able to teach concepts in a way that keeps your child interested. When your son or daughter likes his or her teacher, they’ll be more willing to take direction and practice consistently. It’s very important that your child “connects” with her/his teacher. The best teachers are usually the ones who not only teach, but know how to be a good friend or mentor to your child. Elite knows how important having the right teacher is, so it guarantees a match with your child. If a teacher doesn’t seem to “connect”, another one will be provided and your first lesson will be free.