Music practice is scary? How to make it enjoyable.
December 30th, 2009 | Author: admin
How to get them enthusiastic
Ignite their Flame and See their Skills Grow
So you’re a Suzuki parent. You understand that music making is more comprehensive, much more than understanding the Suzuki method. It’s a way of life and a philosophy. It’s about encouraging by nurturing.
Music making is more effective when it comes from the heart. So now, let me guess… you holler, “Time to sit down and practice”
And your children come bounding in instantly, eager to get going?
As if!!
So this isn’t what happens?
Why not? It just takes a little creative energy and some new ideas to try and you’ll all be off to a new start!
Lets get started
No. 1 You be the Enthusiastic Encourager.
Remember when your kids took their beginning steps? They faltered and plopped on the ground. But didn’t you yell “Great effort! Go on, hop up! You can do it! ?”
Wouldn’t it be better to encourage your children in the same way when they’re learning their musical instruments?
No. 2 Reward them.
Learning is hard work for most, and children aren’t able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So why not do for them what we would happily do for a puppy?
Give them a reward at the end of every practice.
What child won’t come cheerfully to find what their next reward will be?
Young kids love stickers, but even older ones will practice cheerfully when they know that:
- 5 stickers turns into a visit to the beach
- 10 stickers means a bike ride
- 2 stickers means a tasty treat
Or whatever you know is a treat for your child! Rewards along the road will ensure they don’t stall, but keep going.
No. 3 Make a Daily Practice Chart.
Make a list of all music pieces to be practiced. Include a fun motivational quote at the top. At the beginning of the week discuss the goals for the new music. Include the number of times each section is to be played.
You can use our copy… here it is:
No. 4 Use a Timer
Only set it for 15 minutes. Most kids can get their heads around the thought that they can manage 15 minutes. Let them know that when the timer beeps, it’s time to stop. They are to stop right on time!
They’ll play cheerfully while anticipating the glorious moment when they can STOP.
In order to meet their goals, they need to play for an hour a day. No probs. Anyone can do anything for just 15 minutes at a time!
Moreso when they’re, in fact, really playing.
Your attitude, your encouragement, your thrill as they accomplish their first steps, their toddling steps then their confident walking and running, holds the key.
You can be an Enthusiastic Encourager too!
Written by Merilyn Aveling-Rowe, mother of Stephen Aveling-Rowe who is a cellist, organist and creator of “My Heart Can Sing at Christmas” CD & DVD.