Teaching your child music can be cheap (even free), fun, and possibly the best time you spend with him.

  

Beginning Music Education

 

You must assess which medium of education best suits your child. Perhaps your child will enjoy experiencing
the guitar or drum hands-on; in which case one might consider renting or borrowing the chosen instrument.
Of course, if your child has a tendency to break everything he etouches with Midas-like accuracy, a joint
listening/ observing session is possibly a wiser medium. Your local library is certain to carry several,
if not hundreds of, CDs and videos of performances by everyone from your child’s favorite Muppet to your
favorite music artist. Certainly, your child would love to help in the choosing. Books are also a great
medium if not used exclusively. Music is hard to learn without sounds or vibrations.

  

Continuing Music Education

 

Once the education has begun, it is wise to include your child in the teaching process. Let him share what
he’s learned on his own as well as what he wants to continue learning. Perhaps he has expressed an interest
in a certain genre of music. Perhaps Jazz has struck a particularly strong chord. It is suggested that the
parent continues a general music exposure for the child with an emphasis on the genre of greatest interest
to the child. Use the knowledge you have of your child to discern whether or not he is ready for lessons.
If so, follow through at your easiest convenience focusing on budget and time (more on that later). If not,
simply continue your joint music sessions steadily and use your own judgement as to whether or not your child
is ready.

 

Always use your best judgement considering who you choose to hand your child over to for one to two hours a
week. Perhaps someone you know in your community or congregation is qualified in a certain instrument or you
feel has a greater knowledge of your child’s chosen genre. In the beginning especially, budget and time are
greater factors than the teacher’s abilities. At this point in time, you are simply looking to give your
child a solid base. It’s possible that one hour out of the month is sufficient for you and your child.
Once again, use your best judgement.

Always keep track of your child’s progress. You will surely find that he has or will gain a leg up in his
academics. The responsibility an instrument gives a child is also priceless. It is very important to keep
track of his progress and to keep him talking about his accomplishments. As your child progresses, keep an
active part in the learning experience. Do not push him, however. Once learning becomes a chore, the child
quickly loses interest and begins to dislike his newfound abilities. Last of all, keep your eyes and ears
open, but most of all, your heart.