So you’ve Enroled your son/daughter to learn an instrument. Remember, music achievement, and consequently enjoyment, requires effort over a period of time. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Schedule a consistent, daily time for practise
- Provide a quiet place for practise
- Use the Sticker Chart to encourage 60 minutes of practise per week
- Remain nearby during practise as much as possible
- Praise your child's efforts and achievements
Further Ideas for Parents to Encourage Music Practise:
Concert Items: Whether your child is a beginner or an experienced musician, everyone will benefit from presenting a concert to the family of the work they have covered so far this year. Set 5 minutes aside one evening to play some set pieces for the entire family or invite the neighbours over for the concert. Let your Creative Kidz teacher know of the achievements!
Play Together: Ask for child to teach you what they are learning. You can learn together and it’s a great way to spend some quality tome together doing something different!
Rewards Chart: Create your own reward chart for practice and provide some other rewards. They can be very simple (extended electronic time, relief from chores, treats, etc). Try negotiating the reward with your child.
Group Participation: Performing music with others is a great way to improve your skills. Seek out opportunities to play in bands, orchestras or with friends and sing in a choir!
When Motivation Drops: Don’t panic. When the technical demands are increasing, it can lead to a slump in individual enthusiasm. The best performers in the world can go for months with little or no interest in practicing or performing! You, as the most important audience for your child, can prevent this from happening and understand that not all weeks will be perfect. As we know, the benefits are beyond measure, and it is vital that your child returns to a disciplined practice schedule quickly to reap the rewards of the efforts to date. Contact your child’s Creative Kidz On Stage teacher is important as they may also be able to help spark some enthusiasm and/or have a few tips for home.