Sunday, February 2, 2014

Tips For Success With Music Lessons

By Madeleine Bridgeman


While your child is probably excited about the idea of taking music lessons, it is sometimes difficult to keep children motivated after those first few weeks of lessons. After all, there is a good amount of work involved in learning how to play any instrument, and sometimes this work can be monotonous for kids. Here are a few tips that might help make your child's music lesson experience a success.

The choice of instrument is of major importance, and while your child definitely should have big input into this decision, some instruments are better than others for first timers. Pianos and stringed instruments are excellent choices, as well as smaller band instruments such as clarinets and flutes. The saxophone is another instrument that many children enjoy learning. Don't forget to think outside the box and consider instruments such as the guitar or the drums, which can be a lot of fun to learn and play. In the end, if you select an instrument that your child is excited about, you are more likely to have success.

For many children, lessons at school are the introduction to learning an instrument, and this typically begins around the fourth or fifth grade. While this can be a great experience, sometimes this method of instruction lacks pizzazz and the music choices might not truly reflect your child's musical leanings. Taking private lessons in addition to school lessons can be a good way to keep interest high. Your child will have more success and faster progress with the extra instruction, which can be a huge motivator.

Finding a private music instructor at a San Clemente music school, a Laguna Niguel music school or a music school in Dana Point, can be a great idea. In this way, your child will be able to have a bit more control when it comes to music selection, and that definitely can increase enthusiasm. In addition, private lessons are essential if your child wants to learn an instrument that simply is not offered at their school, such as the guitar or piano or something wild like the accordion or autoharp.

When you begin looking for a music school or instructor, your child definitely needs to meet the teacher beforehand or take a tour of the facility where the music lessons occur. You want this to be a good use of your money, so be sure that your child and the teacher seem to have a comfortable rapport. Another motivator would be to find a school such as Los Rios Rock School. This San Juan Capistrano music school offers private lessons in virtually every instrument, but beyond the lessons, children are placed in a rock band and get to perform at venues such as the House of Blues and Coach House. Your child's tuition not only includes the private lesson each week but also the Saturday sessions where kids work together as a band.

Of course, in order to become a good musician, children must practice and this certainly can feel more like a chore than something fun. Providing plenty of praise and encouragement can help. Make practice time a mini concert and be sure to give lots of praise for a job well done. Try to focus on elements of success before giving constructive criticism. Rather than opting for long practices two or three days per week, set aside 10 minutes each day for a quick practice concert. Remember, while you want your child to learn discipline, you also want them to have fun so make practice time as pleasant as possible.




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