Music practice tips for parents

Helping your child have a more rewarding music learning experience

In this article, we will explore some very simple and creative music practice tips for parents. With these tips, you will not only be able to help your children get through should they ever get stuck, but you will also help make the music learning process a lot more fun and rewarding. 

Music education, be it in the form of learning to play a musical instrument, singing, sight-reading, or learning music theory, can be both an exciting and rewarding endeavor for children. However, as exciting as this might initially seem, without following best practices and using a rather creative approach, it can quickly become an uninspiring and may even be a dreaded activity for kids. This is where you come in as a parent and not just solely leave everything for the music teacher (if there is one). 

Music practice tips for parents #1: Become a part of their music appreciation process

As kids learn to play music, they naturally and gradually become more appreciative of different kinds of music and musical forms. However, this isn’t something that will happen at an instance, it will always be a rather steady and progressive process.

However, one thing you should avoid doing is actively trying to take control of this process. Rather, allow your child to take control while you indirectly supervise. Among the many music practice tips for parents, this tip targets not only the technical aspect of your child’s musicality but also the appreciative and creative aspects. 

Be deliberate about listening, appreciating, and even judging music with them while being careful not to impose your opinion. This way, you are not just showing them respect to their growth process, but also indirectly showing love. Don’t force or constrict your child to a particular style of music, even if their music lessons are based on that style. Children are natural explorers and won’t cage their exploring instinct when it comes to music. 

Enjoy music shows together

Attend concerts, festivals, and shows with them while also being sensitive to the music they are naturally being attracted to during this process. By actively participating and allowing them to choose their interest, you're building a strong foundation for versatile musicianship, and helping them appreciate music's diversity. Among the many music practice tips for parents, this one is essential. 

Music practice tips for parents #2: Make it practical and fun

Music is naturally a practical field and not theoretical. While music theory is very important, focusing on “practice over theory” will always be very rewarding - especially for kids. The goal isn't to eliminate theory from their practice routine, but to center it around actual practice. Come to think of it, which will impress you the most? A child who can perfectly draw the circle of fifths, or one who can perfectly play the national anthem on the piano?  This tip one aims to keep children engaged and make the process feel less like work.

It's not enough to focus on practical learning; you also need to make it fun. Incorporate their favorite songs or add games to spice up rehearsals. Be sure to celebrate all accomplishments, no matter how small. 

Music can be fun

Also, make them see music from a different light. It should not feel like just another school course or extracurricular activity. Help your child understand that music is unique and very important. When your child understands that they are engaging in a very important activity (although fun), they will naturally develop extra interest and seriousness. Lastly, while doing this, avoid making practice seem like an obligation — even though it is. 

Covering all the best music practice tips for parents will definitely be beyond the scope of this article. These key points will help guide you on this amazing journey with your child(ren).