TOP TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN PRACTISE MUSICAL

INSTRUMENTS

TOP TIPS TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN PRACTISE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Whether it’s getting to the next level on their new video game, learning how to do that trick shot or mastering a new chord on the guitar as much as children love something, sometimes they just don’t want to practise! Music practise is essential to achievement but you have to remember it’s up to the kids to want to practise and all we can do is encourage them to try their best.

HERE ARE OUR TOP TIPS TO MAKE MUSIC A FUN AND FULFILLING EXPERIENCE FOR THEM:

1. LET THEM CHOOSE THEIR INSTRUMENT

First of all, make sure your child is learning an instrument they have chosen for themselves. They have to enjoy the sound and temperament of the instrument to want to pick it up every day.

Early training on a chosen instrument can be transferred to other musical instruments as they grow in confidence and ability.

2. REMEMBER PRACTISE MAKES PERFECTIf they become frustrated because they can’t read the sheet music immediately or cannot play a note, remind them that nothing was achieved in a day! Ask them whether they think their favourite musicians could play a song 100% first time – even the best of us still struggle on first attempts!

Remind them that they are allowed to feel frustrated at times and music is a journey rather than one ‘perfect moment’.

3. SCHEDULE PRACTISE TIMEOur children have busier social lives and more homework than ever before, therefore it can be puzzling sometimes as to when they will fit music practise in! Sit down and talk to your children to organise a timetable where they can practise music without feeling rushed and stressed out. You could even use the incentive that they get to play an extra 30 minutes on their game as reward for practising.

4. CONTROL THE ENVIRONMENTIf you want to encourage your children to focus on music, create a quiet environment for them to appreciate the music. Ask where they would prefer to practise and turn off the TV and video games to reduce distractions.

5. SET ACHIEVABLE GOALSSet smaller goals for each day’s practise instead of trying to learn an entire song in one go. The small goals will add up and you’ll soon hear them saying, ‘Look I did that better than I did yesterday!’

6. ENCOURAGE EXTRA-CURRICULAR INVOLVEMENTLearning in a group can sometimes be easier so why not see if there are any orchestras, choirs or ensembles in the local area for your child to get involved in. Schools often have additional music groups outside of the classroom, and at Kimichi we have a wide range from soundtracks to pop music.

7. MUSICAL EDUCATION

Teach them about music in the wider world by taking them to different musical performances from stage to acoustic nights. There are many family friendly music festivals around the country that host a variety of music genres, and will make them want to pick up an instrument.

8. ADD MUSIC TO THE CURRICULUMDoes music need to be more prominent in your child’s education? We’re a centre for creative learning and we’re rethinking education with music at the heart of it. At Kimichi we’re the only school in the West Midlands where every pupil plays an instrument and we accept pupils of all abilities.  

9. ORGANISE PERFORMANCES

Give your children something to aim for – performing for the family after dinner one night to showcase their new musical ability is the perfect encouragement to practise.

10. HAVE FUN!Finally and most importantly, have fun exploring music as a family! Practise really does make perfect but there is nothing stopping you enjoying it – learning a musical instrument isn’t a chore, it’s an adventure!

FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about Kimichi School on our website: http://www.kimichischool.co.uk/