008 How to Have a Family of Musical Children Part 1

Ever wondered the secrets to getting children to practice their instrument? Joan is a mother of seven musical children and Amelia is the mom of four kids who are learning instruments. And they are sharing some time tested strategies to inspire your child to practice.

 

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Show Notes

Benefits

Composer studies via Charlotte Mason Classical music interactive long term cultural tradition Beethoven instead of white noise Junk music can undermine love of classical music Expose your children to the repertoire that they will be learning so they will have         an “Aha”moment with the music. Music can change the flow of composition when making art Music skills can be enjoyed for a lifetime Strong links between learning an instruments and academic success Imparts discipline for study or concentration Classical music is rigorous but provides a foundation for other types of music                  study. Attention is like a muscle that can be developed — music is a vehicle to develop           capacity for attention How to prime the pump so kids will want to make music. During pleasurable events— traveling, cuddling, dinner, tea parties Classical music as a repellant for vagrants Lullabies and pre birth music A speech therapist said Amelia’s child would never learn music but Amelia proved         her wrong Don’t watch a lot of TV but could choose some great classical performers on YouTube to watch. As children fall asleep Prep children for attending the symphony by having kids listen to the music                    beforehand Don’t stay for the whole concert if it’s too long. Symphonies for families, kids, or include ballet. How to actually start teaching music Establish habits of obedience BEFORE they start taking lessons. But sometimes                 you can swap chores for practice on the instruments. You can start a 3 year old on violin or piano but it will take longer and cost more             money than starting a 5 year old. Don’t compare your child to others. If you have no musical background you might want to start at age 7-10 so the                child can retain instruction from the teacher. Parents need to attend every lesson and either video or take great notes. Less driving than sports. Find the very best teacher you can afford who can teach proper technique. Don’t be afraid to drive an hour for a superior teacher. Show great respect to the           teacher. This takes a sacrifice on part of parents. Don’t complain to teacher about the cost. Universities can be a good resource for         good teaching. Start music lessons in the summer when they are not overloaded with school. Don’t take summers off from lessons. You only have to practice on the days you eat. Make it part of your family culture. After the first year or so, your child can really bloom. Be excited for all their little wins Record them and send videos to family. Friend from South Korea Parents role is to be the assistant teacher or practice buddy Start with 3 minutes multiple times a day for a 3 year old. For a total beginner start with as many minutes as they are old. Don’t expect your child to practice independently until about 4th or 5th grade. Start weaning off parent lesson attendance about age 10. By age 12 they should           be practice independently.

Some ideas to make fun: 1.Divide the goals into very small tasks 2. Gamify the practice 3. Tiny treats like goldfish or tic tacs 4. Practice for spins. Delayed gratification. 5. Jump rope with rhymes 6. Hand clapping games 7. Read a page of a story book 8. Tell true stories and stop at cliff hangers 9. Closer and closer game 10. Board games 11. Ball into a basket 12. Progressive draw