By Mindy Cabral, The Magazine of Santa Clarita, August 2013
Children love music, but they don’t always love to practice and can lose interest in their music lessons quickly. Here are the TOP 5 WAYS to get kids and keep kids interested in music lessons.
#5 Know What to Do – Students often do not know how or what to practice at home even if a teacher writes down page numbers and notes to review. That isn’t enough. Students need clear, step-by-step instructions or they may feel lost, get frustrated, and just won’t practice.
#4 Support in Class and at Home – What we say and do as teachers, parents, and friends makes an everlasting impact on children. Staying positive and encouraging, even when critiquing, can make all the difference. Having support from family, friends, and teachers boosts self-esteem and self-confidence.
#3 Rewards & Acknowledgement – Children want to be recognized for their hard work just as much as adults do. This can be as simple as earning stickers, or going for ice cream after a concert. Keep accomplishments (certificates, photos from recitals, trophies) visible to students so they can relive these moments.
#2 Plan & Set Goals – Teachers who have a plan for their individual students’ needs, and who set realistic weekly, monthly, and yearly goals with students typically have more successful students who enjoy the process of learning. Write down new goals, post them up where they will be seen everyday, and create a rewards system for achievements.
#1 Have FUN! – This is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of taking lessons. 2/3 of beginning piano students quit within one year. Why? They said their lessons were boring! Kids want to play games and enjoy learning. When students have fun, they learn better and are more willing to do the necessary work. Teachers and parents will enjoy the lessons more too!
To find a teacher that will engage, motivate, and inspire your child, to help them enjoy their musical learning experience through fun games, performance opportunities, and recognition, contact the friendly staff at Little School of Music: located at 28306 Constellation Rd, Valencia, CA 91355, visit us online at: LittleSchoolofMusic.com, or call: 661-222-2239
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