What Every Parent Ought To Know About Music Lessons for Kids
By Brannon Hungness, Director, Rochester Academy of Music & Arts
For over 27 years, I have been giving music lessons and studying the most effective teaching methods on the planet. Here are 10 things I’ve learned that will help your child become a great student and an amazing musician. Please share this advice with them!
1. Your children will probably not sound great at first. Many people think that taking a few lessons will have them playing like a rock star right away. While it takes time and a bit of practice to get good, the right teachers will help your child stay on course and learn as quickly as possible. Think of it as a journey!
2. Attitude, Attitude, Attitude!! It’s very important for parents to have a positive attitude. There will be moments when your child will be frustrated. You need to let them know that this is normal. Remember, with practice, they will be getting better all the time!
3. It’s crucial to find the right teacher(s). You need to find a teacher who will work closely with your children to learn about their personal goals and interests. The teacher should structure each lesson so that the time spent is engaging and fun, while still following a clearly laid out path.
4. Don’t let your kids over-practice! Is it possible to practice too much? Yes! This may sound strange at first, but over-practicing leads to frustration. It’s best to practice consistently each day, but only for 10 or 15 minutes. As time passes, your children might begin to increase their practice time once they feel ready.
5. Everyone learns at their own pace. Some students learn aspects of their instrument faster than other students do. Your children should never feel like they’re doing badly if someone they know appears to be ahead of them. Tell your children to simply stay focused on what they’re working on. Remember, once they have a skill down they’ll be able to keep doing it, and even build on it!
6. Listen to the music. Your children should enjoy the sounds that are coming from their instrument, even if what they’re doing seems really simple. Also, once they’ve learned some of the basics, your kids will start recognizing those building blocks in music from their favorite bands or artists!
7. Your children should go to a school that specializes in private lessons. The best environment for learning is at a school designed for giving lessons. Schools help students avoid the distractions that take place during in-home lessons or at a teacher’s house. Plus, all of the necessary tools are already there, ready to go.
8. Never take long breaks. Your children should keep up with lessons and practicing on a regular basis. Skills and knowledge fade when an extended break is taken. It doesn’t take much to start getting rusty.
9. Parents need to tell their kids to practice every day. Young students might not always want to practice, even if they love playing their instruments. This is normal, and even the best professionals had these experiences growing up. Daily practicing is just as important as any other homework and it’s up to the parents to make sure it’s happening.
10. It’s never too late to start! Learning to play an instrument is beneficial to students of all ages! Even if your children have reached the teen years, it’s still a great time to start. As a parent, you may want to start taking music lessons to share the experience with your children. I’ve seen students at every age excel and really enjoy the advantages that being a musician has to offer.
If you’re looking to get your children started taking music lessons, I hope you find this information helpful. Being a musician has changed my life in so many positive ways! I really want to encourage as many people as possible to get their children started playing an instrument.
The benefits go on and on. Higher IQ, increased memory, better coordination and much more!
For more information about starting your kids on music lessons in the Rochester, NY area, call Rochester Academy of Music & Arts at (585) 506-9437, or request more info at: www.RochesterMusicLessons.com.
Online lessons available at: www.VirtualAcademyofMusic.com
Brannon Hungness is a professional musician who has performed throughout the US, Europe, and Canada, sharing the stage with Elvis Costello, Philip Glass, Iggy Pop,and many others. He has recorded with musicians from the Paul McCartney Band, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel Band, The Fixx, and the list goes on and on. He is also the author of The Book on Music Lessons. Mr. Hungness has been seen on BBC, NBC & MTV2.