If your child loves music, here’s how to nurture their musical interests without being pushy with these 8 effective tips.
A child’s interest in music can be the start of something great, whether it’s the beginning of an exciting career or just the beginning of lifelong love of music.
Studies show that children who take music lessons have better grades in school and higher standardized test scores. They also have better vocabulary skills and an easier time learning to read than children who don’t take music lessons.
As your child grows, it can be important to encourage their interests and help them develop their talents as much as possible to make sure they have a chance at success. However, you should do so without seeming pushy as it might have the opposite effect.
Here are some great tips to help you harness and nurture your child’s musical interests from an early age.
1. Start Early
It’s never too early to expose your child to music. Start by talking about what you’re listening to or singing along with your favorite tracks. Consider buying a portable music player for kids. One of their first words might just be be-bop.
Also, you can take advantage of musical classes offered at local community centers and schools. You can use apps like GarageBand or Splice that let them create and record their own music without learning how to read sheet music.
It doesn’t matter if they come up with terrible noise—in fact, that’s most likely going to happen.
But, in time, you’ll be surprised at how much they enjoy it! Also, remember that sometimes kids don’t want lessons. Give them free rein over an instrument and see where it takes them. Chances are, they will surprise you.
2. Learn at Home
Do you have a child who aspires to be a rock star or a piano prodigy, or do you just want your children to be exposed to and engaged in music? Whatever the goal is, the learning should start at home, from your kid’s comfort zone.
You can then move to the next stage by encouraging them to enroll in an after-school program (or take private lessons) to learn more about music and develop their talents. That way, they will learn things more systematically instead of randomized training!
3. Keep It Fun
One of the most important things to keep in mind as a parent is that playing music should be fun. If your child starts acting up or losing interest, take a step back and reevaluate whether you’re still providing them with an enjoyable experience.
The last thing you want is for your child to dread practicing and performing; instead, you want them to have fun! Make sure that practice time is filled with new challenges so they stay engaged and motivated.
For example, if your child has been learning how to play their instrument from sheet music, try switching it up by teaching them how to read standard notation instead—this will force them into a more challenging environment where they have no choice but to improve.
Also, incorporate fun games and activities, and your kid will look forward to it!
4. Focus on Accomplishments
For children, musical aptitude is often tied closely with self-esteem and confidence. So it may seem harmless for a parent to say, “You sound good!” when their child plays an instrument or sings in public. But mind you, praise can backfire in two big ways.
First, if your child isn’t actually playing well, that kind of positive feedback will only make them feel worse about themselves and they would be less likely to keep practicing.
And second, if your kid does play well (or sing well), you might be taking away from their own sense of accomplishment by telling them how great they are all on their own.
The truth is that any musician who’s worth listening to has worked hard at his craft—and they should know it too. Instead of praising them directly for what they’ve done so far, let them know you’re proud of them by saying, “I’m really impressed with how much work you’ve put into learning guitar!”
5. Consider Private Lessons
One of the best ways to ensure your child gets started on a musical instrument is with private lessons. A music teacher can provide individualized instruction and help your kid develop their natural musical skills quickly.
In addition, when kids take lessons from an early age, they tend to become more engaged in music than those who don’t start until adolescence or adulthood. In other words, if you want your child to excel at a musical instrument—and get some great life lessons along the way—private lessons may be worth it.
Also read: Is London a good place for a music career?
6. Choose the Right Instrument
One of the biggest barriers for kids taking up an instrument is not understanding what they need. A quality violin might cost thousands, while a cheap keyboard can set you back by a few hundred.
If you plan on giving your child an instrument, educate yourself so that you can choose one that’s appropriate for their age and skill level—this will make them more likely to keep playing.
When choosing an instrument for your child, remember it doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive. It just must sound good.
7. Practice Daily
Practice is a wonderful way for children to build musical talent. But that doesn’t mean they have to practice all on their own—they can even practice with you, as long as it doesn’t feel like homework.
In fact, practicing with your child will help them hone their skills and create family memories and strengthen family bonds. You can start small by helping them learn simple notes or chord progressions from songs you know, maybe from albums of Justine Bieber.
But if you really want your child to love music and reap all its benefits, encourage them in whatever instruments interest them, whether it be a flute, drums, guitar, or piano. It will make all your lives richer for years to come.
8. Always Listen Carefully
One of my favorite tips is to always listen carefully. Whether your child is telling you about his day at school or describing a new song he heard on TV, always pay attention and try to find meaning in what they are saying.
Then ask follow-up questions that show you’re listening and interested in what they are saying. That way, your child knows you are engaged with them. And if you can’t make it to one of their recitals or performances, be sure to watch online later.
It will allow you to see how they performed, but it will also help your child know that you care enough about their music to make time for it.
Final Words
There are many ways to harness and nurture your child’s musical interests and make music a large part of their life. By encouraging kids to follow their interests, parents can help shape their children into playing various instruments, composing songs, or joining bands.
The key is to provide the right environment and give your kids an incentive to learn and grow on their own. Once you do that, there are no limits! As long as you stay engaged with your child’s musical interests, they will continue to thrive.
Emily Smith is a talented content writer, wielding words to create captivating stories and informative articles across a wide range of topics. With a passion for effective communication and a love for research, Emily consistently produces engaging and valuable content. She’s dedicated to conveying ideas clearly and compellingly, making her a sought-after voice in the digital sphere. When not writing, Emily enjoys immersing herself in art, nature, and culinary adventures for fresh bursts of creativity.
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