I would like my child to play a musical instrument but I don’t want to do the wrong thing!

The dilemma for parents here is illustrated by my memories of teaching adult teacher trainees at Auckland College of Education some years ago. Half the class would bemoan the fact that their parents hadn’t organised lessons and ‘made’ them practise, and the other half told stories of how they were ‘made’ to learn the piano for years and hated it.   As parents we could do with a crystal ball!   

Just remember that even if your child learns for a short while only, it will always be part of who he or she becomes. I believe that nothing in education is wasted.

Some context at Belmont Primary : Recorder and Ukulele

At Belmont Primary we teach recorder to all children in Years 3 and 4 and ukulele to all children in Years 5 and 6. The thinking behind this decision is this:

The recorder is a portable, very reasonably priced instrument through which we can teach a great deal about music literacy. Children to learn to read music – both rhythm and melody and consolidate skills taught in Year 1 and 2. As children learn at very different rates, the Middle Syndicate teachers cross group the children in terms 2, 3 and 4 each year so that they are able to learn at a speed comfortable to them. As with all skill learning, those who have parents who support their practice make the most progress and get the most out enjoyment from their playing. In years 5 and 6, children are able to join the Bravos (Recorder ensemble) or the Marimba Band, both performance groups and they are given further opportunities to play recorder in the senior syndicate music programme.

OK, but this is in a class of 20 plus. What about smaller group or individual instrument tuition?

Firstly, there is plenty of evidence that involvement in music is beneficial to young people – for brain development (whole brain activities,  self expression, creativity), for developing skills which assist with stress reduction,  relaxation and use of leisure time now and in later life, for social interaction,  and to encourage the aesthetic education of the whole child. Later some children also turn their musical interest and skill into a career.

 ALL THESE ARE REASONS WHY BELMONT PRIMARY HAS INVESTED IN MUSIC EDUCATION FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS.

It is not surprising then, that parents are keen to organise small group or individual instrument lessons for their primary school children. Traditionally the piano has been considered to be the best instrument to start learning. This was often for the practical reason that there was already a piano in the house and also because it resulted in a good understanding of music – rhythm, melody and harmony. The former reason is no longer so often the case, and although the latter can be very true if the instrument is taught well, there are other factors to consider.

The piano is a complex instrument involving considerable cognitive ability. Once the player is  reading music , he or she has a minimum of two notes, usually more, to decipher simultaneously. At the same time opportunities to play with others in a group can be limited, so it can be a little lonely for a child who has high social needs.

Compare these factors with playing a wind or string instrument – a flute, a clarinet, a saxophone, a trumpet , a violin, a cello, a guitar or even a recorder. The player is reading one note at a time and will usually have plenty of opportunities to play with others.

If your child is over 6 , is very keen to play the piano, tends to be self motivated and not highly social, go ahead and begin lessons and expect success. If it is you rather than your child who is most keen, you would probably be better spending money listening with him or her to different instruments on CD or DVD, taking him or her to concerts and waiting till your child expresses an interest.

Motivation

This is the most precious commodity and in my experience it is easy to lose. Parents will often tell me that their child has been pestering them for a year to learn - say the guitar. However they think they should learn the piano first and the child is not keen, so they don’t know what to do. My advice is to organise lessons on the chosen instrument with an agreement that this will be reviewed after say two terms. Then if the child is still keen and progressing, continue the lessons. If not, it may be better to stop and reconsider the learning situation. An extra year of growing or a different teacher may overcome the problem. If you insist that they continue for a year, they may lose the motivation totally.

Practice

This is a thorny issue. Learning an instrument is not like being in a sports team. The weekly session with the teacher (which you probably pay dearly for) is not enough to result in progress on a musical instrument.  Your child needs to practise the instrument skills each day or at the least 5 days a week for at least a few minutes right from the start and it is normal for parents to have to support this routine. It is a rare child who practises from the start without a parent reminding him or her and actively listening to progress. Intrinsic motivation will hopefully result from satisfying skill development over months and years.  In the meantime don’t overlook the power of rewards!

Group Tuition

Many children have group tuition at Belmont Intermediate on a Saturday morning. The State funded Centre offers tuition in a wide range of instruments and gives children the opportunity to perform with others.  This is very well priced and accessible for Belmont primary children. Sporting commitments can often be accommodated.  Be wary of learning an instrument in a group for more than 2 years as bad habits can develop. Many children begin here and move to private teachers where they have individual lessons.

Individual Music Tuition

Belmont Primary currently has two providers of individual musical instrument tuition.

The North Shore Music Education Centre provides teachers for a range of instruments depending on demand expressed by families at the beginning of each year. Currently we have after school tutors in piano, drums and guitar.  The Modern School of Music teaches piano. This is currently during school time and mostly with younger children.

Send your child to me for a pamphlet or email me if you would like to arrange lessons through either of these sources.

Need further help?

Please contact me if you would like to discuss these issues.  I am not too old to remember parenting primary school aged children! shirleyh@belmont.school.nz

Shirley Harvey

Music specialist

July 2010