FROM TIME TO TIME, ALL YOUNG MUSICIANS NEED HELP WITH MOTIVATION!

By providing your child with an opportunity to play a musical instrument you are creating opportunities for self - expression, creativity and achievement.

Numerous studies indicate that parental attitude, support and involvement are important factors in a child’s ability to successfully learn to play and enjoy music. This note is designed to assist you in giving your child the best support possible for his or her musical endeavours. Like any skill, interest counts more than talent.

Simply being part of the band program is an important motivating factor for your child. By being in the company of peers who play the same or other instruments and creating a great “band” sound is immensely rewarding. Camaraderie stimulates enthusiasm (as does Band camp!).

One of the most difficult things for young musicians is practicing. “It’s boring.” Parents are frequently so frustrated that they are ready to give up on the instrument. With a little cooperation between parents, the bandmaster and tutors, motivating young musicians isn’t too difficult.

First, realise that young children have short attention spans. Practicing for more than 15 minutes at a time is going to be impossible for the youngest band members. Pushing them to practice for too long is going to make them reluctant to practice at all. REMEMBER: it is better that your child picks up his instrument for 5 minutes than not at all, so encourage, but don’t push for time limits.

Don’t expect perfection. A young child might have learnt something as well as he is going to learn it, given that they don’t have the motor skills or muscle strength yet to learn it any better. If you are not sure what your child should be capable of at a particular age or skill level, please ask your child’s tutor.

If you child doesn’t respond well to the word “practice” ask him “will you play for me?” instead. The end result is the same. You could try replacing the word “practice” with “playing at home”, the word practice can seem like a chore. Also, try having regular “family concerts’ at home.

Remember, that young children don’t yet see how practicing an instrument will help them in the future; they live pretty much in the moment! A reward for practice will help. For older children, you could ask your child’s tutor to reward them by teaching them a fun piece, e.g., The Simpsons or Star Wars etc. or provide stickers for each practice session to younger children.

NEVER make practice into a punishment. Statements like, “you can’t go out and play until you have finished your practice” makes playing desirable, and practice undesirable. Always make practice seem positive (you could try as a joke “you can’t practice until you have cleaned your room”). Your child will pick up on your attitude toward the instrument and practice, so make sure it seems like fun.

Play music frequently. Play anything that prominently features your child’s instrument. This is great motivation as they want to make their instrument “sound like that”. Also, listening to music helps them to understand music which will help their overall music skills.

If possible leave the instrument out of the case (instrument safety allowing) and in a prominent position. Your child will be more inclined to pick it up and play a few notes of a melody if they don’t have to find their instrument and then assemble it.

Make sure that your child’s instrument is always in good working order. Sticky valves and broken reeds all make playing the instrument more difficult and frustrating.

Practice can be a lonely task. Try to sit with your child during practice time, if only for part of the time. Remember to encourage, praise and commend when things are going well. If you are not a musician yourself, don’t worry. You will know when the practice goes well and when it doesn’t.

Try to attend your child’s lessons, this is particularly helpful for new players. You will be in a much better position to help your child through any early frustrations or difficulties.

Attend performances where possible and encourage other family members to participate as well. Come along to Band Practice to see the progress of your child’s band. It is really enjoyable.

Words like “I hate band”, “I hate my instrument” or “I hate scales” are not uncommon. Children frequently claim to hate something that they don’t understand or can’t do. What they are really saying is that they are intimidated

and feel inadequate. Try to work through what they really mean, where are the difficulties? Talk to your tutor and to the bandmaster.

The day will come when your child can pick up their instrument and play beautiful melodies and feel a huge sense of achievement – this day will come sooner than you think!