April Read: A Recipe for Optimal Learning
Stephanie Zi Yi Yang
“By nature, a child loves to play; however playing an instrument requires a kind of technical learning, which can often feel like a chore.”
Children rarely take the initiative to practice their instruments, just as they don't like to do their homework. By nature, a child loves to play; however playing an instrument requires a kind of technical learning, which can often feel like a chore. Children need a certain amount of dedication to learn to be successful. If we as adults often choose to be lazy, imagine the struggle our children feel…
As a teacher, I have encountered this problem time and time again in the process of learning. It is highly recommended to make small adjustments, taking assistance from the following points:
Practice Time Arrangements
Many children practice their instruments after tutoring or doing their homework, but in fact they are often already tired at this time - their concentration and physical strength are reaching their limits. Usually, children don't want to practice anymore, so they tend to resist. Children are not robots, and physical strength is a consideration we need to put into planning.
My suggestion is that from Monday to Thursday, your child can take 1-2 days to practice their instruments before doing their homework. It doesn’t need to be long - just half an hour is fine. After the practice, the child can do their homework with peace of mind. On Friday, because they don’t have to go to class the next day, the child usually feels more relaxed. Practice again, enjoying the freedom of relaxed time constraints and limited obligations.
Practice Environment
The child’s practice environment is an extremely important variable. For example, if a child is practicing their instrument and someone next to them is watching TV or talking on the phone, they will definitely be distracted. Do not force a child's self-restraint abilities. If we value the quality of their practice, we have the responsibility to provide an environment where they can concentrate. Accompaniment is also a good way for children to calm down and practice, especially for young children under the age of six. You don’t need to instruct or guide them, but rather to sit close by in the same place. You can read a book or get some quiet work done - your presence is of great help to the stability of the child's heart.
Parents’ Attention and Participation
Learning an instrument is definitely not just a matter for the child - it requires active participation from the parents and family. Many parents will say, “I make my child practice every day” - sometimes for a fixed amount of time, even on a daily schedule or routine. This is actually of minimal importance; if we pay attention to our children’s practice, we will participate in their learning. For example, when we hear them playing fluently and well, we will give compliments immediately. Do not underestimate this verbal support - 80% of students have told me that they feel their parents are not listening at all. A child plays their instrument, and the parents don’t respond whether they play well or not... Appreciating the music played by children, at the right time, is more helpful than any urging or reprimanding!
“We must consciously let children like music, and create an appropriate atmosphere and environment at home.. Atmosphere refers to the family being able to gather together to share music and sing.”
Maintain and Strengthen Children's Motivation to Learn
To learn an instrument, our children do not necessarily have to be natural musicians - this is the consensus that everyone has agreed upon. Rather than turn them into musical stars, many parents hope to cultivate their child's musical literacy and appreciation for music, which can then become a channel for expressing their emotions. But in the learning process, we still hope that children will not lose interest or want to give up. To achieve this wish, we must provide children with extensive exposure to music.
All kinds of musical activities will allow children to fall in love with the colorful face of music from different angles. Think about your children enjoying playing standards such as "Für Elise" and "Turkish March", or their favorite movie tune... They have already cultivated a love for this music, which makes them more eager to play. As a teacher I am always excited to share these pieces with my students. We must allow children to take the initiative to explore the music that they have heard before.
Adjustment of Teaching Materials
There will certainly be difficult periods of time when children learn an instrument. If you find that their resistance to playing is very serious, you may be able to discuss with their teacher to adjust some of the textbook content or class methods. Help your children through this period, but still respect the teacher's professional teaching considerations! A child’s persistence in learning an instrument depends on the environment we provide them and our attitude. While both teacher and parent can be encouraging, the child’s own motivation for learning is the most powerful driver. Don't leave your child’s learning process to themselves - let's all work hard together!