5 Reasons To Enroll Your Child in Music Lessons
If your child enjoys listening to music, playing the air guitar, or singing at home, you may have a future musician on your hands. Why not give them a way to turn a passion into a fine-tuned skill?
Here are 5 reasons you should consider enrolling your child in some sort of music lessons, whether it be for vocals, guitar, piano, drums, or another instrument.
They Offer a Productive Use of Time
If you are struggling to get your child off of their iPad or video game console, have them learn an instrument. This sort of outlet is a great way for your child to reduce stress and exercise creativity.
In addition to attending the lesson, your child will ideally spend hours at home practicing. Reading sheet music and perfecting playing techniques are more engaging than mind-numbing activities like watching TV and playing video games.
They’re Affordable
The cost of professional music lessons will vary based on your area, the teacher’s expertise, and the instrument you want your child to learn. To give you an idea, Angie’s List reports that piano instructors can charge anywhere between $30 and $60 an hour.
To save money, you can learn the basics by using YouTube videos or online courses and then teach your child yourself. However, if you do choose to go with a professional instructor, the cost is relatively affordable if your child only has one lesson per week.
Getting equipment for your child to use at home is also pretty affordable. You don’t have to invest in a shiny grand piano or fancy electric guitar. There are plenty of cheap alternatives for young musicians who are just starting out.
For example, in a blog titled “10 Easy Songs to Play on the Drums,” the drum experts at DCP recommend that aspiring drummers start out on a practice pad to perfect their techniques. A practice pad often runs for under $30, which is a great investment to encourage your child’s rock star aspirations. Also, a practice pad doesn’t produce as much noise as a full drum kit does, which any parent will appreciate.
They Teach Hard Work and Self-Discipline
If your child only has 30 minutes or an hour with their instructor each week, they will quickly learn to work hard during each lesson. They will need to retain as much information a lesson as possible in order to have something to work on at home.
During the rest of the week, your child will have to practice what they learned to observe progress in their playing abilities. This kind of hard work and self-discipline will help them succeed in other areas of their life.
They Foster a Lifelong Interest
If your child shows enthusiasm about an instrument, getting them into lessons will adequately foster their interest. Even if your child is hesitant about learning an instrument at first, enrollment in lessons can fuel a lifelong passion. In a fast-paced world, it can be difficult for your child to find something to look forward to. Have them try out music lessons to see if music is their calling.
If they don’t enjoy the first few lessons, give them the chance to quit. Forcing them to continue forward can create resentment and won’t be a good use of your time and your money.
They Build Self-Esteem
Learning an instrument helps your child build self-esteem. They will be proud of their playing abilities and learn how to healthily:
- Accept constructive criticism
- Spot areas of improvement
- Perform in front of large crowds
- Do better in school and homeschooling
If you’ve been on the fence about enrolling your child in music lessons, consider these 5 benefits that lessons offer and make a music lover out of your little one!