Ready? Set. Music!

I began banging on pots and pans in my mother’s kitchen when I was 3 years old and couldn’t get enough.  My sister couldn’t sit still until the age of 6 and tried to play the piano but didn’t stick with it.  At 11 years old she found the love for the flute and still plays it as an adult.

Everyone learns at a different pace and attention spans vary.  If you’re considering starting your child on an instrument consider their coordination, agility and the cognitive processing skills required to tackle an instrument successfully.  Generally, a child should be able to sit and concentrate for 10-15 minutes.  If your child can concentrate consistently they will see the rewards of their efforts sooner through their chosen instrument.

To progress, regular practice is necessary.  This is a great opportunity to help your child develop the discipline of a daily routine involving practice and concentration.  Seek out fun exercises and practice techniques that engage your child.  Endless repetition and rigid approaches tend to turn children off to the fun and spontaneous adventures found in music.  Encourage your child to practice their assignment as well as experimentation.  The neatest discoveries are made that way!

Children are fun, inquisitive and adventurous; music should be too!  Express yourself!