| GETTING STARTED: GREAT EXPECTATIONS
AND REWARDS Reprinted from Great Beginnings, a band recruitment package from Yamaha. Research has indicated that the study of music has long-term benefits for children who participate. Those who have studied music have 10 to 30% higher scores on standardized achievement tests (such as the ACT or SAT exams), higher graduation rates, greater abilities, at reading, math comprehension and abstract reasoning, improved expressive skills, and greater self-discipline. They also tend to demonstrate greater linguistic and writing composition ability, higher level critical thinking skills, and are more creative in personal expression and problem solving. Noted Harvard researcher Howard Gardner has identified seven regions of the brain that develop specific areas of natural intelligence as part of cognitive development: linguistic, mathematical, spatial, musical, kinesthetic, visual and social. Of these, music is the only natural intelligence that requires the use of all the other intelligence. In other words, perceiving, understanding and using music is an important part of whole brain development. THE ROLE OF A PARENT As a parent, it is not important for you to have previous experience with musical study. If you have, you will understand the challenges, enjoyment and effort your child will experience through the study of a musical instrument. Your role as your child begins instrumental music is simple - be supportive. You don't need to know how to play an instrument to help your child learn. Just as baby struggles with the frustration of not being able to walk or talk easily, so too do young instrumental students struggle with the first efforts at playing their instrument. Let's face it - they are using reading, motor and cognitive skills they've never had to use all at the same time before. Here are some simple suggestions for your child. Show Encouragement Encourage your child to keep going, even when it seems difficult. Remind them that they couldn't walk or talk the first time they tried and that it took practice to hit a ball, or ride a bicycle. Be Patient Early sounds are often not very musical. It will only take a little time your child will be playing familiar songs. You must understand that and help your child understand that also. Doing anything well takes time, practice and perseverance, from art to sports to music. Be Supportive Results in anything come gradually. As our increased technological society helps us achieve results faster and faster, students must learn that some things still take time. Show them early versions of their handwriting and drawing, or watch a video of them learning to ride a bike. This will help you become an ally in the musical learning process. Let them know when you hear improvement in their daily practice. Having someone who can empathize with and reward them is an important part of the student/parent teamwork needed in either music or sports. Attend school concerts your child participates in, and be sure to seek out the music teacher during parent/teacher conferences. Help Them Practice Practice is like the homework students bring home in other subjects. It's the way in which they gain increasing skills and abilities. Although you may not know what or how they should practice, you can still play an important role. Practice should be in a private place, away from family members or distractions, radio, television or stereo, and friends. A bedroom or isolated part of the basement or family room is best. A proper music stand, straight-backed chair and good lighting are also important. Students should plan 30 minutes into their schedule. That's their investment. You need to guarantee your investment by helping them make that daily commitment. Show Resolve When you hear frustration in such phrases as "I want to quit" or "I sound awful," discuss why those feelings occur. Don't take the path of least resistance and let your child quit too early in the experience. Six weeks, two months - even six months is not enough time to make that kind of decision. Help them establish realistic goals. Work With Your Child's Teacher Establish good communication with the music educator teaching your child. You should expect progress reports from them at regular intervals. These teachers will want to hear from you too, so that both positive achievement and possible problems can lead to a successful instrumental music experience. CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT No musical instrument is easier to play than another - they all have differing challenges. There are many considerations in choosing an instrument, from musical aptitude to physical characteristics to the desire of the child. Here are a few considerations... Desire Be honest with your child. Playing an instrument is fun and rewarding, and it will take time, effort and patience. Make sure you have talked with your child about the entire program. Choice Many students want to play the instrument of their dreams. Their interest plays an important part in the instrument selection process, and in later motivation. But parents have a responsibility to help their child realize that certain factors can work against a student being successful on some instruments. Spend time talking about what instrument your child is interested in playing, and why. Then, work with your child's instructor to determine the best choice, one based on good reasons. After all, band is made up of marry different instruments, and not everyone can play the same instrument. Physical Requirements Playing an instrument is a physical experience. The shape of lips, hands and fingers, formation of teeth and jaw, and use of braces all contribute to initial success on an instrument. Your child's instrumental music teacher will discuss the importance of these in the instrument your child chooses to play. Musical Aptitude All students appreciate and enjoy music, but everyone has a different aptitude for music. Your child's music teacher may have administered tests to determine these aptitudes in your child. Work with the teacher to understand how that ability may translate into your child's personal success. OBTAINING AN INSTRUMENT Once a decision has been made for your child to play a particular instrument, you'll need to go about obtaining one. Some school districts will provide certain instruments. Or, you may be asked to obtain an instrument for your child. Much of this information will be given during the band registration period.
WHY MUSIC? We live in a society filled with music. It is everywhere that we live. Music is the most pervasive of all the arts and is the most easily used for enjoyment and relaxation, for study or participation. Understanding the role that music plays and being able to use it to express ourselves are important means of developing as human beings. Those who develop an understanding of how to make music are forever enriched by this experience. |