Kids have so many different activities they can enjoy. Learning to play an instrument is one activity whose many benefits is well documented through different studies and research. However, sometimes parents unwittingly set up their children for failure. Here are some tips you can use to help your child in their musical journey.

5 Ways to Advocate Directly for Your Child

Here are some ways in which a parent can look out for their child’s interest – ensuring they’re getting the attention and direction they need to grow their skills and the mentoring that expands their world of opportunities.

1. Get to know the music teachers in your child’s life. Don’t be overbearing,
but get to know them and let them get to know you. You’re not becoming
social friends. You’re developing a personal relationship, which improves communication.

2. Check-in regularly with your child, in positive ways, about their music lessons. Daily practice, rehearsals, and
lessons take a lot of anyone’s time, let alone a kid. Give them opportunities to express what they love about learning
their instrument to help them work through the times when they’re struggling.

3. Learn about your child’s instrument and music so you’re in a position to know what questions to ask about their
pace of development, skills that need extra attention, and what sort of opportunities (like auditioning for a youth
orchestra) your child is ready to tackle. If you want to optimize your time talking with music professionals about
your child, you need to know what you’re talking about.

4. If a music teacher or private tutor has identified specific weaknesses your child needs to focus on, make sure that
lessons and practice plans are devised to reflect that feedback.

5. Pay attention to your child’s instrument and related tools. The quality of the instrument (or lack thereof) will show
up in your child’s playing. If your child has become an advanced violinist, playing a beginner’s violin will hold them
back. You can be mindful of your budget and still get the best instrument they can learn on.

They Can’t Do It Without You

Whether interest in music came naturally from the child or parents planted the idea, it’s critical for the student to have parents who are supportive of their child’s efforts. The benefits of music lessons are vast, but they don’t come without effort. For any child to get the most of whatever level of music learning they want, they need their parents on their side.

Be as positive and supportive as you can as they progress in their musical skills.  Learning an instrument is not easy, but it is very rewarding.

‍

Keep up the great work and happy music making!

Dawn Elmer, Academy Director