Playing an instrument has more than one benefits to offer, thus it’s important to introduce a musical instrument to a child. Some of these involved boosting self-esteem and self-confidence, improving hand and eye coordination, and developing memory skills.
It’s not an easy task though especially if your kid is showing little to no interest at all. Learning how to play an instrument takes time, focus, discipline, and a bunch of dedication — and not to mention, constant practice. However, with enough motivation and patience, you can learn how to get your child interested in playing an instrument.
So, the question is: how do you do it?
Below are ways to keep your kids excited about playing a musical instrument.
Get Your Kids Involved
When picking an instrument for your kids, be sure that they are around. I know you have a specific thing on your mind — a guitar or a set of drums perhaps? However, it’s not you who is going to play it rather, it’s your child.
Before buying the instrument, let them try it first. While you can’t just pick an instrument out for your kids, you can suggest something basic if it’s their first time to play one.
Be Involved, Too
Of course, if you’re the one teaching your kid to play an instrument, you are totally involved. However, if you have them enrolled in a guitar or piano class, you can ask them to play for you. Listen to the new piece they are learning and engage with them enthusiastically. This is important especially if your child is having a hard time. Be sure to encourage them and remind them that their hard work will pay off.
Enroll Them To A Music Class
Whether you have no time to teach your kid to play an instrument or you just can’t play one, you can always enroll them to a music class. Research a facility with legit reviews about their class and be sure to choose the one that will inspire and encourage your child to become a musician. Read reviews to learn more about the teacher’s approach with their students.
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Show Them Support
If there’s anyone else who should give your child the support they need, that should be no one else but YOU! You should be your kid’s biggest fan whether they are performing on-stage or in the living room. This is one way to keep them motivated in playing the instrument.
Create A Reward System
An exciting reward system never fails — trust me! You can use this when you want to make homework fun, encourage a child to do a chore, or even push them to practice playing a musical instrument. It can be as simple as filling a chart with stickers and once it’s full, treating with their favorite dessert.
Set Goals With Your Kid
Telling them to practice every day can make an interesting instrument boring. I mean, he/she’s going to do the same thing every day, so expect that it will become a tedious task. Therefore, to avoid this, help your child create a specific challenge or goal. For example, this week, ask them to learn a few guitar chords; in the next two weeks, ask them to play a part in a song. Not only will you encourage your kid to learn, but you can also help them have faster progress.
Pick The Right Music
If your kid’s going to play the piano, you might be wondering about classical music, which is always a good idea anyway. But let’s face it: your child will enjoy the latest song more than the oldies. So, the next time you pick a song for them, be sure that it’s something that they would enjoy.
Don’t Make It Sound Like An Obligation
Nobody wants an obligation, we know that! So instead of making practice sound like a dreaded task, make it fun. Incorporate a new challenge every now and then and be sure to motivate them with praise, constant reminders, and incentives.
Celebrate Accomplishments
No matter how small or big the accomplishment is, such as learning a chord or playing entire music, celebrate the victories always. Verbal praise is always a good idea but journaling your child’s milestones make it more special.
Write it down so you won’t forget about it. In the future, you can share this with your kid whenever they are struggling or having a hard time learning a new song or who knows, another instrument.
Let Your Kid Choose
Every kid is unique. Every kid has their own interest. And if your child’s not into music, you cannot force them to like it. While it’s a good idea to introduce instruments to them, be sure that it’s something they’re comfortable with.
Do you know other tips that would encourage a child to play an instrument? If yes, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Have a good day!