- Catch them young!
- Lead them in the right way,
- Equip them with the necessary skills to develop in to mature adults.
Kids who play musical instruments have the chance to improve in their academic work. Research shows that playing of instruments, and in particular piano helps the memory function.
‘When I was learning the guitar, anytime I was bored reading or solving some mathematical problems, I would leave it and resolved to picking and strumming few notes and chords on my guitar. After few minutes, I would have the inspiration and energy to read and solve hard equations.’- Ayodeji S.
Tutoring kids at an early age is very important. Some start at two years to recognise sounds and move on to learn piano. Kids music lesson could be spiced with notes reading and singing some rhymes.
Choice of instruments
Parents have to inform their kids and discuss the choice of musical instruments for them. Parents do have preference, however, kids option and interest may differ. Though they may want their kids to play a particular instrument that they love, perhaps had missed the opportunity to play them at their early age.
Kids should be allowed to choose the instruments they wish to play. Few of them know the instruments and got inspiration as they watch the performers, and their peers, while others are thrilled by the sound of the instrument and its beauty.
Things to consider for progressive kids music development:
1. The age and stature of the child
Before purchasing the instruments, do consider the age and stature of the child. A big guitar, violin, sax or trumpet would not be useful for a four-year-old child. You should go for a quarter violin type, a small guitar, and a soprano or sopranino saxophone. The same applies to drums set.
2. The quality of the instrument
The quality, as well as the tone of the instrument, is very important. It is good for a child to hear a well-tuned, bright and audible sound at an early age. Whatever you hear determines your musical output. It does apply to languages and speech as well.
A poor piano sound or a distuned and inferior guitar could cause harm to kids’ musical development and aural skills.
3. The tutor
Who impacts knowledge on these kids? Is the person a qualified music teacher or instrument tutor? Does he or she have the ability to teach and transfer skills to them?
Getting the right tutor for your kids is absolutely necessary. A saxophone tutor, not a piano tutor, should teach a saxophone student. There are great musicians out there, but not all of them could teach, talk less of teaching children.
The tutor would have to be patient, calm and children-friendly individual who understands children music pedagogy and psychology. A class session with kids could be frustrating; they may display different attitudes inhibiting them from learning. The teacher’s maturity is needed here.
Safety of kids must be taken seriously. Endeavour to do a background character check on your would-be kids’ music tutor.
4. A conducive place for learning
Students need a good place to learn. A place that is void of noise and distractions.
Music is artistic and also scientific. A lot of calculations happen during movement of notes, pitch variation, intervals, inversion of chords, piano chord voicing, colour, and embellishment. Therefore, an atmosphere conducive for taking instructions and practicing music pieces would be ideal.
5. Encourage practice time
It is advisable to draw a weekly practice time plan for the students and monitored by the parents. Kids should be encouraged to practice on their instruments and never forget to include scales, arpeggios, drum riffs and patterns, fingering exercises, basic major and minor chords.
6. Individual and group performance
Kids should be prepared to perform solo pieces on their instruments in order to build their confidence. That will help them do better when they are involved with the group. Attending concerts and participating in music competition could be helpful.
7. Leadership role.
Let them lead music and songs during events. Let them take the front role by giving the speech, singing or playing during your birthday party. They would be happy and have a sense of belonging. Being recognised in such programme would boost their morale and self-esteem.
8. Support them all the way.
New instruments and accessories should be provided by the parents or guardians when needed. The instruments should be well kept and be in good condition, protected from rust and impending damage.
Endeavour to sponsor music education the same way you support other academic programmes. Take the kids to and from the music school, sit by them often during lesson or practice time. Listen to the music they play and give them a positive response.
Be the first fan of your kids. If music makes your children happy, support them, they will give you joy in return.
Basic kids music class at Tonality Music School is for 6 months. We have a programme which allows good time for our pupils to develop, practice sight-reading and also perfect their instruments. They could also learn another instrument within the 6 months period provided they have obtained a good grasp of the first instrument.
After we have laid the foundation for 6 months of tutoring, kids can continue music studies and lifelong development.
Instruments available:
- Piano/keyboard
- Drums
- Guitar
- Violin
- Saxophone
- Flute
- Trumpet
- Trombone
Further details on instruments studies at: