Being a Parent of a Musical Child - Part 1
- Aug 4, 2017
- 2 min read
So you have a child that's interested in learning music (or is already learning); now what?
First of all, did you know that playing music can improve a child’s focus and grades in school? In fact, a short list of the benefits of learning an instrument (singers too, vocal cords are an instrument!) are: improved concentration, learning perseverance, improved math skills, improved organizational ability, and creative problem-solving. That’s right! Just by letting them develop their inner rock star you are helping contribute to their academic success! But just letting them wing it is probably not enough if you want them to achieve great success.
It's absolutely imperative for musicians of all shapes and sizes to have a network of support. In a way, young musicians are in a bit of a sweet spot. They haven't developed any preconceptions yet; they haven't been told they “can't” or “shouldn't”... now is the absolute BEST time to build a strong foundation of attributes that will benefit them as they learn and grow:
● Patience
● Working and playing with other musicians
These are all important traits and/or habits for a musician to build, and parents should play a vital role in helping to lay the bricks in the framework. As one of the primary support influences parents need to find a balance to avoid sending the wrong messages to their fledgling musicians.
By no means do you want to become a ‘soccer mom’, as this can place undue amounts of pressure on a child. Over time such a foundation can crumble, leaving an older child with a distaste for the music they once loved.
Conversely, a disinterested, or even an overly critical approach can lead a child down a road paved with self-doubt, lack of confidence, and regret and recrimination.
Over the next several weeks I will cover each aspect of these bullet points; their importance in the development of young musicians, and how you as a parent can help in the building of each vital part of this foundation.
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