Music Education and Your Child
Has your child shown a recent interest in music? If he or she claps or marches with the songs on favorite television shows, likes to listen to music and sing and dance, shows an interest in musical instruments, or request that certain music be played at home, your child is exhibiting an interest in music. Music study can be a highly rewarding supplement to the education your child received as he or she begins or returns to school this fall. Learning to play an instrument can help a child develop better concentration skills, co-ordination, and critical thinking and communication skills. Music also provides a positive outlet for creativity and self-expression. Best of all, it can boost a child's self-esteem.
However, in order to reap these rewards, a child must be motivated to continue to work toward a goal. As with anything new, music lessons can be intimidating at first. Selecting a quality music teacher, as well as demonstrating parental support - making time to listen to your child play music, applauding and encouraging your child's efforts - can make the difference in whether a child' experience with music is successful.
Parents should realize that music lessons differ widely in content, technique and educational objective. In addition, choosing the right or wrong teacher can make or break your child's musical experience.
