Learning a musical instrument is a family affair! Your child needs your guidance and encouragement. Here are some specific tips on how to create a lasting relationship between your child and his instrument of choice.


Help your child set up a special place at home to play the instrument.

Establish a time each day to play. Some children are at their best in the morning, before school. Some parents set a time after the evening bath when the child is relaxed, but not tired.

Consider using the phrase "playing time" rather than "practice time."

If possible, be a positive part of your child's playing time. Sit with your child while he plays and ask, "Show me what you're learning." Or, consider learning to play the instrument with your child.

Praise your child for each step forward.

Never make negative remarks about how your child's playing sounds. It takes time and effort to produce musical sounds.

Encourage other family members to applaud the child's efforts. Positive attention is a great motivator.

Remember that there are always peaks and valleys in the learning process. You and your child should expect times of discouragement, accept them, and focus on the positive fact that she's learning to make music. Remind her that everything worth doing takes time and effort.

Provide positive role models. Bring your child to hear amateur or professional musicians perform. Take your child to movies that show musicians in a positive light, such as "Music of the Heart."

When seeking private lessons, find a qualified teacher you can talk to easily. Ask about the teacher's philosophy of education, and ask to talk to some of the teacher's current students or their parents. Make sure your child is comfortable with the teacher.

Brought to you by MENC: The National Association for Music Education.

By Rosemary Forrest

As the parent of two grown daughters, both of whom are singers, I learned several things about picking teachers and schools for them.


You should be welcome to observe your child's private lessons. And they should take place at an appropriate time and place.

Opportunities to perform are as important as good instruction. There should be participation in community events, opportunities to audition for solos, and more than just an end-of-year recital.

Music is expensive. Expect what you pay for sheet music to roughly equal the expense of several lessons. But it's a good investment if your child is interested. It should be good sheet music, not just what's popular this year.

Singers should be taught a variety of styles and should be expected to sing in at least German and Italian as well as English.

Students should be given the opportunity to compete or be rated in their area. A good music teacher will belong to professional organizations that provide these opportunities.


Check the credentials of the teachers in the style of music that your child wants to study. A great jazz school may not be what a classical singer needs, for instance.