Music Education for Kids

Music exists here and there--from birth to demise, we hear music being played. The moment we were born, our mother sung the lullaby to send us to sleep. Then our family and friends sang a birthday song for us. Subsequently, came along our wedding song. Next, we decide to deepen our spiritual connection, so we call for music to help us express ourselves. Music is also well appreciated during one of the most solemn moments in our lives wherein mourning and grieving is in the air. And also, national anthems are being sung before the start of the program as well as entrance hymns during our religious obligations. There is practically a song for every circumstance.

Music education for kids has been proven by experts to have a surprising effect. Studies have shown that early exposure to music helps the brain develop skills in language and reasoning. Children are able to develop self-confidence and a positive mind-set in everything that they do like in school, small groups or the community. Learning music can be a very tough thing to do because it requires dedication and hard work, but it may also be very rewarding in the end because it can boost self-esteem and enhance academic performance. It can also be an outlet of self-expression. By simply memorizing the different notes is like increasing the child’s memory.

Hence, introducing music to the young must be encouraged. Who knows, they might progress these into hobbies that will later  bring out their talent, creativity and intelligence. If that happens, parents should assist their children to develop their skill to properly utilize them. Since music education aids in molding our children’s character, it should be integrated to the standard program of study rather than being non-compulsory. Always remember, the earlier you start your musical training with your kids, the more chances of making them one of the most famous musicians in the future.  

Here are a few reminders in educating music to the youngsters:

• Do not teach instruments to children below 3years old. They love pressing buttons so a much better idea is giving them toy instruments such as a toy piano.  
• The best musical toys for preschoolers are bells, drums, xylophones, keyboards or any rhythmic instrument. This age group also takes pleasure in listening to music through CDs and tapes.
• The best age you can start instrument lessons is about 3 ½ years old. And the best instrument to start with is the piano.
• You will be able to know if your child is ready to focus if he or she can concentrate on tasks like solving a puzzle.
• Violins are difficult for children under 4 ½ years old.
• Recitals make a great deal for preschoolers. They love to dress up and perform in front of family and friends. They expect a party after the recital where they can hear good comments of how good they were performing. The nice remarks make them feel great.
• Consistency is more valuable than duration. So if a child can only focus for 15 minutes, let it be. Do not put too much pressure as these kids can gradually sustain longer periods, as they get older.
• Arrange a schedule for regular place and time of practice.
• Don’t forget to appreciate your kids’ effort in trying. Praise them if they get things right and applaud them for improvement. Your compliment is what motivates them to keep on going.  
• Have rewards for every task well done. You can have stickers or small toys as rewards.
• Usually, parents unintentionally put too much pressure on their kids when they purchased an instrument intended for their kids’ lessons. It turns out to be that parents demand and force their children to really learn because they feel they made an investment they wouldn’t want to be put on a waste. So if possible, don’t buy the instruments but rather rent or borrow from somebody you know.
• Children want to be with their friends so make your classes look like a big playgroup without losing your focus.  

If you really want your kids to extract the true essentials of having music lessons, you need to make them reach the point wherein they would be regularly attending their classes without you dragging them because they realized they are having fun. As parents, in return, make your child feel that what they are doing is something you both can share and enjoy at the same time.