By Mindy Cabral, The Magazine of Santa Clarita, January 2013
The truth is, no one wants to practice, even professional musicians. We want to play! The fact is in order to play you have to practice.
Parents of new music students often ask, “When can my child play a song?” That’s like asking a basketball coach when your child will be able to make a basket. Just because you can play a song, doesn’t mean you know how to “play music”. Learning music is like learning a language. It takes time, repetition with variety, discipline, and motivation to become proficient in music.
Usually music teachers see their students only once a week. That means it’s up the student to take on the responsibility of practicing assignments throughout the week. Practicing can be tedious and difficult for students to be motivated on their own. Just like how children don’t want to eat their vegetables, clean their room, do their homework, or finish household chores on their own, parents know they have to do it and follow through to make sure these things get completed.
Students need parents to guide them and tell them what they need to do, especially if it’s something they don’t want to do. Parents often worry about forcing their child to practice. None of my students have ever complained about how they practiced during the week. In fact, they are very proud of their practice time and progress and are excited to share it with me in their lesson. The over all musical experience is better and more rewarding for everyone.
Having a reason to practice is a huge motivator. Anything from earning a sticker, preparing for a recital, concert, or audition, being able to play in an ensemble or band, or simply to be able to play a song for fun!
For practicing tips, ideas, or other help to get started on a new instrument, please 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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