My parents had determined that age seven was a great time to begin learning how to play the piano. Therefore, it must have been quite challenging for a six-year-old child to convince them I was ready for the piano lessons. The constant classical music playing on the radio in our house and my older sisters taking piano lessons once a week must have had something to do with my desire to learn music. My parents thought I was too young to play any musical instrument. They wanted me to wait until I was the predetermined right age.
However, since I expressed a strong desire to learn how to play the piano, they complied, and I began taking piano lessons at the age of six. Of course, the story does not end there as I did something I should not have done. In addition to my daily practice, I practiced my art skills on our beautiful piano keys. And as a consequence of my actions, I had to stop taking piano lessons till I was seven. That fact saddened me, but I could do nothing about it. I had to learn how to behave, and I knew it. However, I remember being relieved that my art was adequately cleaned and everything was back to normal on the piano keys.
How I became a cellist is a story for another day, but I switched to cello playing at nine.
When we as parents consider a musical instrument for our children, this story is one example of what we are concerned about. We make many considerations as parents when we wish our children to play a musical instrument.
We know too well that interest can wane, and our efforts may not be fruitful. Therefore, we ask questions about which instrument will motivate our child to learn music because we want to make the right choices.
These questions might be difficult for any parent to answer for themselves:
Which path do I take so my child remains motivated to learn music? Where do I find a great teacher who can teach my child?
How do I know my son or daughter will continue playing or practicing an instrument?
How do I know which instrument is right for them?
Parents know when their child wants to play a specific musical instrument. However, it does not have to happen that way, either. Parents can decide what instrument their children can learn to play.
My husband and I initiated our daughters' music education, but afterward, they made their own choices. My older daughter switched her instrument from the cello to the trombone in High School, and my younger daughter wanted to learn the clarinet. They are both studying music and want to become professional musicians.
Therefore, everyone will have a different story with their encounter with music and musical instruments.
When parents are unsure which instrument their children should play, one good way to begin is to learn the piano, especially if they can access one at home. Also, this is a helpful solution when they have many questions in regards to finding the right teacher, considering costs, and wondering about a child's sustainability of interest in the instrument,
It is highly beneficial for a child to begin on the piano to build a base of musical knowledge; a few years later, it is possible to change to another instrument. That way, children will know basic musical concepts, how they work, the notes on the manuscript, and their relationship with the keyboard; later on, if they want to change to another instrument, the transition will be easier.
Should this route not be for some parents, the best way is to observe their child and help them choose an instrument.
Parents can check out nearby schools with music programs, orchestras, and bands and attend concerts. This way, their children can listen to the different instruments played by their peers. There could also be a brief consultation with the music directors to ask them the appropriate questions.
Attending some concerts, especially for children, can make a difference.
For instance, my younger daughter developed an interest in the clarinet by listening to a clarinetist's concert we attended.
Asking teachers for try-out lessons could also be an exciting way to learn about a particular instrument. This could be another way to find out about interests and help decide. Teachers can inform about the details specific to their instruments.
However a parent decides to begin their children's musical education, it is essential to know that acquiring musical knowledge can be an exciting part of their children's learning journey and will benefit them in many ways in the long run.
In conclusion, perhaps the better question to ask would be which instruments one's child is drawn to.
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