I believe that music classes are more important than ever right now. During a time when everything is so uncertain and so much of our lives are lived through a computer, students need a creative outlet where they can work towards a goal and be successful in something real and tangible. They need something they enjoy to help them cope with the stress that all of us face. Music can provide all of that.
When everything is going online, however, music presents its own challenges. Music students may feel frustrated or lack motivation when they don’t have the opportunity to meet in person or play music in a group. Parents may also feel frustrated when they see their child struggling and not know how to help.
As a parent, you can help your child have a great musical experience this school year no matter what your situation is. Whether your child is just starting a brand new instrument for the first time or has been playing for several years, you can help them be successful. Here are some tips to help make this a great experience for both you and your student.
Communicate with the music teacher. Do you know what your child’s music teacher expects? Do you know what your student is doing in class? How often should your student be practicing at home? Hopefully the teacher is communicating regularly with you, but if they aren’t, feel free to contact them. If your student is struggling with something, tell the teacher and ask for suggestions. Most teachers are happy to talk to you and work through any problems that come up. We’re all learning together, and the teacher probably won’t know there’s a problem unless you tell them.
Set up a practice routine. Music students need to practice to be successful, especially if they aren’t meeting with their music class in person. To begin a habit of regular practice, start small. Choose a time that will work every day and practice for 5-10 minutes. Your student can build up the amount of time they practice as they go. Ask them what they need to work on and help them make a plan for their practice time. Lastly, make it enjoyable. Set up a special practice area just for them. Allow them to play something fun for part of their practice session or do something music related, like watch a video of their favorite artist or play a game on a music app.
Find ways to perform. Performances are incredibly motivating for students. A performance is a goal to work towards with concrete results and it allows students to get feedback from others about how they’re doing. Even small performances are great for motivating students. You could do a family talent show, or have your child play a piece for a grandparent on a video chat. You could visit a neighbor and do a mini performance on their porch. You could even help your child create a YouTube channel and post performances on social media or share them with friends and relatives. However you decide to do it, set it up in advance and give your child time to prepare so they can do their best.
Find ways to make music together. For many music students, the social aspect of playing music is the most enjoyable part. If you know how to play an instrument, play some duets together. There are duet books available for any combination of instruments. Your child’s music teacher can probably help you find some duets that would be the right difficulty level. If you don’t play anything, ask your child to teach you something. Learn music with them. Teaching you will boost your child’s confidence and help them improve at the same time.
Make it fun. Music can and should be challenging, but it also needs to be enjoyable. There are several music learning apps out there that allow students to brush up on basics while playing a game, like Ningenius or Tenuto. Buy a piece of music that your child really wants to learn and work on it with them. Watch YouTube videos of people who play your child’s instrument. Come up with mini challenges and reward your child when they accomplish them. Challenges could be as simple as figuring out the melody to their favorite song on their instrument, practicing five days this week, or composing a short melody.
While it may take a little extra effort to support your child in music right now, the benefits are well worth it. Music can become a way for you to connect with your child and develop a stronger relationship. It can also become a way for your student to cope with their own challenges well into the future.