15 tips against frustration when practising instruments
- Never laugh at anyone who plays music, especially not your child.
- Check the place where your child plays music. Is the piano in a storeroom or cellar? Is the music stand in the middle of the chaos? Take the instrument into the living room or kitchen, where the family feels most comfortable.
- Sit down with your child to practise. Initially, take as much time as your child does. For example, say «Are you making some music?» instead of «You still need to practise!».
4. actively listen to each sound and invite the child to listen to your playing. Soon the eyes can be closed.
5. the voice (yours or the child's) can sing along or sound as an echo or pause filler - and you have a duet.
6 Many children start experimenting in the middle of practising. Don't try to bring them back to the supposedly serious path of the notes at that moment. Hold on to the wild play. Listen actively and ask afterwards what the child was looking for and perhaps found. Also report on what you noticed.
Just as you don't interrupt the person speaking, you don't interrupt when someone is playing an instrument.
7 Be honest with your child. Every training programme needs overcoming from time to time.
8 Ensure that siblings do not interrupt. Just as you don't interrupt the person talking, don't interrupt when someone is playing their instrument. Regular music-making leads to a new daily routine that the family may have to get used to.
9 Reduce the duration and content of your practice during crises. Sometimes a single bar is enough. The child should preferably choose the part themselves. Explain to your child that the body memorises the piece and that it is important to practise slowly and in a relaxed manner. The body also stores stress.
10. practising does not have to take place exclusively with the instrument. Look at the music book together on the sofa. Talk about the names of the pieces. If you can read music yourself, talk about the score: what key is it in, what time signature, how many places with sixteenth notes does it have, where do you have to hold the notes for a long time? Sing the melody together, hop and clap the rhythms. Compare different recordings of the piece on the internet.
11 If you can play an instrument yourself, accompany your child. A sibling or neighbour's child can also do this. Many music schools offer beginner ensembles. Making music together is a profound experience.
12. if you don't have time but would like to help your child practise, ask at the music school whether a young person will come regularly to play music with your child for a fee.
Accompanying a beginner child to class signals interest and appreciation.
13. show your child their progress and be happy about it. Perhaps take small photos on a regular basis.
14. take out old pieces. It is valuable if the child cultivates its own repertoire.
15 Accompanying a beginner child to class signals interest and appreciation. Especially with younger children, it can be helpful if the parents listen to the teacher's tips.
