For Parents and Caregivers

Getting Started: Great Expectations and Rewards

Reprinted from Great Beginnings, a band recruitment package from Yamaha.

Research has indicated that the study of music has long-term benefits for children who participate. Those who have studied music have 10 to 30% higher scores on standardized achievement tests (such as the ACT or SAT exams), higher graduation rates, greater abilities, at reading, math comprehension and abstract reasoning, improved expressive skills, and greater self-discipline. They also tend to demonstrate greater linguistic and writing composition ability, higher level critical thinking skills, and are more creative in personal expression and problem solving. Noted Harvard researcher Howard Gardner has identified seven regions of the brain that develop specific areas of natural intelligence as part of cognitive development: linguistic, mathematical, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, visual and social. Of these, music is the only natural intelligence that requires the use of all the other forms of intelligence. In other words, perceiving, understanding and using music is an important part of whole brain development.

The Role of a Parent

As a parent, it is not important for you to have previous experience with musical study. If you have, you will understand the challenges, enjoyment and effort your child will experience through the study of a musical instrument. Your role as your child begins with studying instrumental music is simple-be supportive. You don't need to know how to play an instrument to help your child learn. Just as a baby struggles with the frustration of not being able to walk or talk easily, so too do young instrumental students struggle with the first efforts at playing their instrument. Let's face it, they are using reading, motor and cognitive skills they've never had to use all at the same time before. Here are some simple suggestions for your child.

Show Encouragement

Encourage your child to keep going, even when it seems difficult. Remind them that they couldn't walk or talk the first time they tried and that it took practice to hit a ball, or ride a bicycle.

Be Patient

Early sounds are often not very musical. It will only take a little time before your child is playing familiar songs. You must understand that and help your child understand also. Doing anything well takes time, practice and perseverance, from art to sports to music.

Be Supportive

Results in anything come gradually. As our increasingly technological society helps us achieve results faster and faster, students must learn that some things still take time. Show them early versions of their handwriting and drawing, or watch a video of them learning to ride a bike. This will help you become an ally in the musical learning process. Let them know when you hear improvement in their daily practice. Having someone who can empathize with and reward them is an important part of the student/parent teamwork needed in either music or sports. Attend school concerts your child participates in, and be sure to seek out the music teacher during parent/teacher conferences.

Help Them Practice

Practice is like the homework students bring home in other subjects. It's the way in which they gain increasing skills and abilities. Although you may not know what or how they should practice, you can still play an important role. Practice should be in a private place, away from family members or distractions, cell phones, computers, television, and friends. The best place to practice is in a well-lit and quiet place. A proper music stand, straight-backed chair and good lighting are also important. Students should plan a minimum of 15 minutes, but ideally 30 minutes into their schedule for practice. That's their investment. You need to guarantee your investment by helping them make that daily commitment.

Show Resolve

When you hear frustration in such phrases as "I want to quit" or "I sound awful," discuss why those feelings occur. Don't take the path of least resistance and let your child quit too early in the experience. Discuss these issues with your child's teacher, and set help them establish realistic goals in order to achieve before they make the difficult decision to quit.

Work With Your Child's Teacher

Establish good communication with the music educator teaching your child. You should expect progress reports from them at regular intervals. These teachers will want to hear from you too, so that both positive achievement and possible problems can lead to a successful instrumental music experience.