encouring your child’s passion for music

Encouraging children to practice their musical instrument at home can be a rewarding experience for both the child and the parents. Quite often you can feel detached from your child’s musical education and working with them at home can help rebuild that bond simply by spending quality time together.

By engaging with their child's practice sessions, you can offer support, guidance, and encouragement, which can strengthen the your relationship. Additionally, witnessing your child's progress and growth in musical skills can be incredibly fulfilling as a parent, as you observe the development of discipline, perseverance, and a passion for music in your child. Not only does it provide the opportunity to witness your child's achievements first hand, but it also allows you to instill valuable life lessons about commitment and dedication, which can extend far beyond the realm of music.

There are many ways to achieve this at home, you could use all of these ideas, or none of them. Ultimately you will find what works for you and your child.

• Create a dedicated practice space that is inviting. Try to keep this free from distractions. Make sure there’s somewhere comfortable for you both to sit and that you have enough lighting.

• Help set a consistent practice schedule. Keep the sessions short - no longer than 15 minutes.

• Use a practice timer or record your sessions.

• Play games or allow time for fun at the end of the practice session. Whether that’s playing something older, or with a fun sound on your keyboard.

Additionally to these suggestions, by participating in practice, the quality time you are spending together may even strengthen your shared interests in other areas. Perhaps there’s a particular artist that you both love, why not purchase concert tickets? Or buy some sheet music so you can learn to play or sing the song together? This may motivate you both to engage in regular practice.

Lastly, leading by example and playing music together as a family can foster a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere, reinforcing the idea that music is a shared and cherished part of family life. Trust me, this never leaves you.