Learning music is one of those activities that is very objective and can, therefore, be universal. A piano piece played in one part of the world should sound exactly the same as it would on the other side of the globe. So it is with all the components of music, such as chords, notes, and keys.
On one hand, this is great, since the authenticity of music for generations is preserved. On the other hand, it proves to be quite a task and many times, musicians will be heard confessing that they contemplated quitting more than once in their journey in music.
If your child has arrived at this stage in their musical journey, then it is wise to look at the options that are available for you. The following article describes what you could do to help your child avoid quitting their music lessons out of frustration:
Kid Too Busy for Music Lessons? Rather than Quit, Readjust Goals
When Carlo was four years old, he was drawn to the piano. His older brother took lessons, and seeing him play inspired Carlo to tinker at the keys after his brother finished practicing. Noticing Carlo’s interest, his mother signed him up for lessons.
Even as a tot, Carlo loved experimentation, but the Suzuki method he studied left little room for the spontaneity and improvisation he loved. He eventually stopped Suzuki but continued his piano study.
Now 16 years old, Carlo once again loves playing and taking lessons with his teacher Doug Ferdinand—but that wasn’t always the case. Via Piano Power
You can work around music lessons in such a way that your child can have it along with the rest of the other activities that place a demand on his or her time. Just as the article above describes, it is important to work with the strengths of your child for success in musical growth.
On the other hand, have you already tried all that you can to make the practice sessions enjoyable, motivated your child in the best way you know how, yet there are no results? With all the stories about people who wished that they didn’t quit their instrument practice, it is important to analyze yourself as a parent to determine your role in all that may be happening. The following article describes this in detail:
Who Actually Quits Musical Instrument Instruction — Children or Their Parents?
How many times have we heard from adults that they wish their parents didn’t allow them to quit their musical instrument when they were younger?
There comes a time in a large percentage of music students’ lives when they want to quit their instrument — and more often than not, parents allow them to do it. But is the child quitting . . . or is the parent?
I remember wanting to quit the trombone when I was in middle school. Honestly, it’s hard to remember why. It could have been peer pressure, boredom, or something else — but I had my mind made up. I shudder to think of what my life would be like now if my mother had decided to quit as well and give in to my pleas.
Ultimately, it is important to understand that when it comes to music education and other transformative activities that require some grit in order to succeed, most children go through a period of time where they must succeed despite themselves. They must be encouraged and supported through the tough times, not given a pass. Via NAfME
So now with the advice given in the article, you can determine whether you are not the one quitting in this journey. It helps to know that there are so many benefits of music education that your child will acquire, which you will be glad they got while they were young.
In the event that you’ve checked all these possibilities and ensured that you aren’t quitting on your child and it has become such a headache for you and your child to continue with their music learning, there is a way to go about it. You could probably learn a lot from the story of Sophia and her mum (who is a music professional in her own right) in the following article:
Should You Let Your Kid Quit Music Lessons?
A couple of days ago, Sophia had her very last violin lesson. Yes, you read that right. I let her quit music lessons after four years of sticking it out. It wasn’t an easy decision for me at all and I feel like a great big failure of a music mom. The Maestro is the one who actually finally convinced me that it was time to stop trying to make violin lessons work for her and move on. And as much as it pains me to admit it, he was right.
Every one of my kids has wanted to quit their music lessons at one time or another. I remember Bria going through a huge period of hating her violin and hating to practice when she was just about Sophia’s age. But the thing is, she still practiced. Via Overstuffed Life
It could actually be that you could give yourself and your child the opportunity to make such a decision while bearing in mind that they are not quitting music completely. You may even be surprised to see your child grabbing another instrument and desiring to learn it on their own volition, as it was with Sophia. Also, consider your child’s age and personality as you go about this so that you have a win-win situation. You’re to become a very happy parent.
Featured Image: Image Credit
There wouldn’t be any new music if it weren’t for Tony and Ryan. Be patient, she has already thought about quitting music before
— Haus of Dre (@HausOfDre) August 9, 2016
“I threaten to quit music all the time, but what the hell would I do?” https://t.co/6ne6Ry8dtB pic.twitter.com/8wVZ9rtWKy
— Pitchfork (@pitchfork) August 13, 2016
Related Articles:
Homeschool Music Lessons: Let Them Quit or Force Them to Continue?
You enthusiastically enroll your child in music lessons, hoping for great things. Everything starts wonderfully, and your child is bubbling with excitement. But what happens if they lose interest, realize it is harder than they thought, begin to dislike practicing, and then with puppy dog eyes ask you if they can quit?
As the parent, should you force them to keep taking lessons? Is it worth it? Here are some insights from music teachers that you may have never considered.
Enjoyment Comes Later
The joy of playing an instrument doesn’t always happen right away. Sometimes it can take quite a few lessons before the student really starts to enjoy playing, especially if they are early beginners. So if your child wants to quit soon after beginning, it is probably too soon to tell and they need to give it a lot more time. Many children who struggle to enjoy playing an instrument can suddenly love it after one key lesson all because something inside clicked. Via Currclick Blog
Why I’m Glad We Let Our Daughter Quit Music Lessons
Our oldest daughter is what I would describe as musically gifted. I know, I know, all parents whose kids can plunk out “Twinkle, Twinkle” think their children are musically gifted. But really, this kid is freakishly musical. She’s one of those who can pick up any instrument and figure out how to play something on it within seconds. As a small child, she would pick out and sing harmonies to lullabies I sang without being taught how. She composed lovely two-handed pieces on our piano without ever having lessons.
At age 6, she decided she wanted to play violin like her best friend. After her first lesson, her teacher pulled me aside and said, “Wow. It’s like she was born with a bow in her hand. Seriously, I don’t see kids like this very often.” I’m telling you. Freakish. Via Scary Mommy
Why I Won’t Let My Son Quit Music Lessons
Should kids be encouraged to stick with clubs and after-school interests even when they want to quit? Or are you firmly of the view that making a child persist with a hobby when they lose interest is tantamount to cruelty to kids?
Me? I used to think that persuading a reluctant child to stick with gymnastics / piano lessons / whatever once they start begging to give it up was about as productive a pursuit as nailing jelly to a tree. But lately I’ve changed my tune.
Picture the scene. It’s Wednesday afternoon in my house, which means only one thing. Piano lessons are looming. I can feel the tension building before we’ve even hopped out of the car and made it indoors. Via Play Pennies
