• Learning a musical instrument is a family affair! Your child needs your guidance and encouragement. You do not need to know anything about music or how to play an instrument to help and encourage your child's journey. Read on for age-specific tips on how to create a lasting relationship between your child and their instrument of choice.

    Tips for helping Beginner String Players

    • Help your child set up a special place at home to set up their music stand and practice the instrument.

     

    • Establish a time each day to practice. Some children are at their best in the morning before school, while some may have more success in the afternoon or evening. 

     

    • If possible, be a positive part of your child's practice time. You could ask them to show you what they are learning, or even ask them to teach you a lesson on their instrument (as long as they can tell you how to properly care for and hold the instrument). Sometimes the best way to understand something is to teach it to someone else!

     

    • Praise your child for each step forward.

     

    • Never make negative remarks about how your child's playing sounds. It takes time and effort to produce musical sounds. A great comment to make is "I love hearing you play!"

     

    • Encourage other family members to applaud the child's efforts. Positive attention is a great motivator.

     

    • "Peaks and valleys" in interest level are a perfectly normal part of the learning process. You and your child should expect times of discouragement, accept them, and focus on the positive fact that they are learning to make music. Remind them that everything worth doing takes time and effort.

       

    • Provide positive role models. You could bring your child to hear amateur or professional musicians perform, or show them movies that show musicians in a positive light, such as "Music of the Heart."