by Darlene Taylor of Keynote Music
The decision to learn music is a step that will affect how you and your children will see music lessons for years to follow. Music can be considered as a career or a hobby. It may be done alone (solo) or as part of a group. As with any career many hours of study, practice and training is involved. As a hobby the study, practice and training is less intensive and demanding. Both require consistent and almost daily efforts if progress is to be visible. It takes an average of three to five years to attain a level of confidence and to build a recognisable repertoire to play for friends, relatives or audience. Interest will vary as with any topic, study or hobby but persistence will pay off; especially when working through the "tough" parts.Patience while learning
Adults who begin to learn music must be patient with themselves. Children must view it as a subject such as math or language and not as a reward or punishment. The challenges and work do not reflect a reward and the fun and enjoyment do not qualify it as a punishment. One does not like to continuously "punish" themselves. If it is an unpleasant experience it can make an otherwise enthusiastic child into someone who wants nothing more to do with music.
Ideas on Practicing
Keynote Music is interested in how you approach practice, some ideas parents and students have provided us follow. The first is the concept of "I get to practice" instead of "I've got to practice." Set aside a time that is designated practice time. The student should be alert and well fed; being tired or hungry can make practice time difficult.
If distraction is a problem the practice time should also be a "quiet" time. Send other children to friends or outside. Do not send them to do something the student wants to do, otherwise the student will feel left out or as if practicing is a punishment or segregation from the family.
Progress is directly proportional to time invested in practice.
The instrument should be practiced on a daily basis; the more time spent practicing the more proficient the student becomes - but don't over do it or the student becomes easily discouraged. Start by practicing 10 minutes a day. It does not have to be all in one sitting. The time counted should be actual playing time. Several minutes may be spent figuring out notes or fingering. The 10 minute time period should be gradually increased. Perhaps by 5 minutes per month. Do not increase the length of time practiced until the 10 minute routine is established on a consistent basis. Within the first year of lessons work up to a daily practice of 30 minutes. If the 30 minutes can be done in one sitting this is ideal. As the student progresses, practice times can be extended beyond 30 minutes.
Encourage, don't discourage
If parents wish to participate in practice sessions be an encouraging audience. Try not to criticise performances but listen and comment on what you liked about each assignment practiced, especially where improvement is obvious. The other advantage to sitting in on practices is you can supervise and make sure practice is done.
Incentive or Reward Program
Incentive programs such as "points" or stars for time practiced could be set up with a small reward such as cash or treat as certain totals are attained. Awarding a sticker into an album or onto a calendar for each day practiced may also provide incentive. Exceptional weeks could be rewarded with exceptional items. It is also a good idea to set attainable yet challenging goals for a period of lessons. Incentives can be worked out in advance as well. Goals are helpful to motivate the student to practice. The students teacher would be pleased to discuss goals that the student could attain.
The student should be encouraged to listen to as many different styles of music as possible. The student will develop a preference for the style of music preferred. Listening to music while taking lessons will familiarise them with identifying song titles, rhythm patterns, instruments and more. All which will enhance their musical education. Listening to a variety of radio stations or discuss with the teacher recordings which may be borrowed from the public library.