Why Should I Continue My Child In Music Lessons If They Don’t Want To Practice?
Are Music Lessons Important?
Beginning your child in music lessons at an early age can help them in so many different ways. You might find that starting your preschooler in piano lessons they have better coordination and fine motor skills than other children their age who do not take piano lessons. Children who take piano lessons at an early age are also taught how to focus and have a longer attention span, due to having weekly lessons and practicing. Another benefit is that later in life your child might want to use the skills they have learned, to play the piano or guitar in their church band, or other musical opportunities, such as competitions or ceremonies. Children who take music lessons and excel at their instrument can also boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of accomplishment.
Is it ok that my child doesn’t want to practice?
Every parent is different as far as the expectations that they have for their kids. Some parents expect their children to practice and reinforce it and some don’t. Some parents are lucky and they don’t have to “make” their children practice, and some parents really don’t care if they do or do not practice.
It is normal that every child can go through a phase where they do not want to practice. Their music teacher can only do so much to promote practicing and the rest is up to the student and the parent. If your child is going through a time that they don’t want to practice you can set aside a set amount of time or how many times they should play their assignments each day, or day of the week. Just like they have to do homework or chores.
If it isn’t a big deal if your child wants to or not, let their teacher know that. They will still be able to improve and be able to play the instrument just not excel as fast as if they were practicing on a regular basis. Even without practice learning to play an instrument is extremely beneficial for children. That being said, children who practice their instrument on a regular basis are able to achieve more and experience more growth, both musically and other aspects of their life such as:
Self-Confidence
Focus
Self-Motivation
Problem Solving Skills
Increased Attention Span
Following Direction
Artistic Expression
Should I make my child practice?
Practice doesn’t have to be a dreadful chore. Usually after the first couple months children tend to just think of it as part of life and they no longer have an attitude about practicing. Other than that a music teacher loves to see growth and help students live up to their potential. So practicing is a must if you wish for your child to grow, however, I recommend always letting my piano students learning some music that they have a passion for so that they at least might wish to practice that, if not the rest of their assignments.
Practice will get easier!
At the very beginning your child was very eager and excited to learn to play the piano, or guitar etc. and most students come to a
point where they are frustrated or it seems hard to them. That’s because they reached a point where the music they are playing jumped in skill and technique. Once that hurdle is over it will seem easier for a little while until the next jump in skill level, where the technique they are learning seems something unattainable, and then that too will pass and they will be glad that they are able to be more skilled.
In the end if you continue your child in music lessons through their childhood they will be able to enjoy the benefits the received from music lessons and hopefully enjoy the ability to play music!
