Learning
an instrument teaches children about delayed gratification. The violin, for
example, has a steep learning curve. Before you can make a single sound, you
must first learn how to hold the violin,
how to hold the bow, and where to place your feet, Playing an instrument
teaches kids to persevere through hours, months, and sometimes years of
practice before they reach specific goals, such as performing with a band or
memorizing a solo piece. "Private lessons and practicing at home require a
very focused kind of attention for even 10 minutes at a time," Group
lessons, in which students learn to play the same instruments
in an ensemble, also improve patience, as children must wait their turn to play
individually. And in waiting for their turns and listening to their classmates
play, kids learn to show their peers respect, to sit still and be quiet for
designated periods of time, and to be attentive.
It
boosts self-esteem.
Lessons
offer a forum where children can learn to accept and give constructive criticism.
Turning negative feedback into positive change helps build self-confidence,
Group lessons, in particular, may help children understand that nobody,
including themselves or their peers, is perfect, and that everyone has room for
improvement. "Presenting yourself in public is an important skill whether
you become a professional musician
or not," This skill is easily transferrable to public speaking, she adds.
And, of course, once a child is advanced enough, she'll possess musical skills
that will help her stand out.
It
introduces children to other cultures.
By
learning about and playing a variety of instruments,
kids can discover how music plays a critical role in other cultures. For
instance, bongos and timbales may introduce children to African and Cuban
styles of music. Although the modern-day violin has roots in Italy, learning to
play it exposes children to classical music popularized by German and Austrian musicians.
Versatile instruments, such as the violin and piano, can accompany a wide
repertoire of styles, including classical and jazz (which originated in the
American South). It's important to familiarize children with other cultures at
a young age because this fosters open-mindedness about worlds and traditions
beyond the ones they know.
What
to Consider When Selecting an Instrument
Ultimately,
the instrument
you and your child choose should depend on a number of factors. Here's a list
of questions to consider before bringing home a new music maker:
·
Is
your child excited about the instrument? Does she like the way it sounds and
feels? Some music schools offer a "petting zoo" that introduces kids
to multiple instruments.
·
Is
the instrument too challenging or is it not challenging enough (for both you
and your child)?
·
Does
your child's temperament match the instrument?
·
Can
you afford the instrument and the maintenance that comes with it?
·
As
a parent, do you like the sound enough to listen to your child practice it for
hours at home?
·
Is
your child specifically interested in a particular music style? If so, factor
that into your instrument choice, as some specifically cater to certain styles.
For instance, a violin
player will have a hard time fitting in a jazz ensemble.
Experts
don't always agree on which instruments
are best for big kids to learn, but many music teachers do agree that it's hard
to go wrong with the piano, percussion (like the drum or xylophone), recorder,
guitar, or violin.
For more details visit at us online: http://www.anneliesemessnermusicstudio.com/music_programs.html
