Thursday, January 8, 2015

5 Ways to Encourage your Child to Play an Instrument

As parents, we want what is best for our kids. With that, it may mean getting them off their butts and taking up a hobby. But, this is easier said than done. Many kids don’t know what they want to do with their free time. If this sounds all too familiar, why not encourage your kids to play an instrument?


A lot of children like the thought of making noise. So, why not encourage this love of noisiness by getting them to learn a new skill? After all, you don’t want them to become couch potatoes. Learning to play an instrument can give kids a whole range of new skills. What is more, they will love having a hobby that means something to them.


Start Small, Think Big

If your child is younger, they may have been introduced to some toys that are musical in their nature. Play drums and guitars are often given to kids. As a result, they are exposed to a broad range of musical instruments from a young age. Get their toys out and ask them what they would like to play as a real or grown up instrument. Ask them why they like it. Take them to a music store and get them to feel out which instruments they like. They may be interested in the guitar if so you can find free online guitar lessons at Jamplay. They may have a keen interest in the drums. So, find drum tutors within your area. Whatever they are interested in, allow them to pursue this. Don’t force them into playing something that they have no desire to learn.

Making Music as a Family

Playing an instrument with your kids is one of the best ways to ensure that they are encouraged to play. By playing with your children, musically, they will be encouraged to play further. After all, most kids want to emulate their parents. Help their love for music by displaying your passions for instruments. You don’t have to be a musical maestro; it’s all about quality time together as a family.

YouTube is a Wonderful Thing

Video sharing sites can be an excellent means of encouraging your kids to play an instrument. Find out who their favorite bands or artists are and seek out videos of them playing an instrument. Get them to watch tutorials. What is more, they will be aware of the various different instruments that are available to them. You never know, your child may want to pick up the flute or violin. Use, YouTube to allow your child to discover different kinds of instruments and the sounds that they make.

What About Their School?

Many schools offer tuition or music lessons as an extracurricular activity. Find out what your child’s school has on offer and encourage them to attend these classes.

Sibling Rivalry

Introducing sibling rivalry is a good way to encourage your kids to learn a new instrument. If their older brother or sister plays, the likelihood is that they will want to too. Embrace the rivalry between siblings and encourage your kids to play.

15 travelers' comments:

Marie said...

Oh cool I never heard of Jamplay! Leo will love it!! :)

Lynndee said...

Great tips! Our son chose to join the school concert band after learning about it and without us even asking him to do it. And as parents, we're here to support him 100%. :)

Mhie said...

I couldn't agree more. I usually asked my daughter what she wants to do, i'm just happy she know what she wants as of now.

James Samples said...

It’s definitely a struggle to get kids to do anything other than play video games these days. I have been wanting to get my son in a sport but they don’t really have anything around here for him. I think I’m going to look into finding an instrument for him to play. I’m sure he will be good at something as he is a champion noise maker.

The Teenage Beauty Couponer said...

You cannot believe how amazing this post is! I have been trying to get my girls to play an instrument for MONTHS now. It's crazy, they thought they would be the laugh of the school but I told them otherwise!

Amanda said...

As someone who loves music but never learned how to play an instrument, I loved reading this post. Your tips are clear and simple and things that I can easily incorporate into our family life. Here's to hoping my boys will share my passion for music...and know how to create it themselves!

Amanda
www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com

Tammilee Tips said...

What an amazing and inspirational post!! I love that they are into music so much. I think music is perfect for having kids focus at school and to help with their school education and life in general.

Natalie said...

This is pretty awesome. My kids aren't really interested in playing anything, however they love art. Makes me happy, they are also crazy about watching marching bands/colorguards. Because that's what I did in high school, they said they want to do that.

Unknown said...

These are some great tips! My son doesn't have the option to play in school yet, but in another year or so the choice will be available. I've toyed with the idea and he does have some interest, so this was a great post to read! Thanks!

Unknown said...

This is a great post. My son doesn't have the option of playing an instrument in school yet, but will in another year or so. I've definitely thought about it and he does have some interest. So this was really great to read! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I was always forced to play an instrument as a child and as such, I hated it. I'll encourage my kids to do whatever they like... but won't be forcing it on them!

Yona Williams said...

I have always wanted to learn an instrument. My brother played violin and my nephew is now learning the trombone in school. I agree, YouTube is a really good resource for learning a hobby, like playing an instrument. My nephew has picked up so many positive things from there. He has a guitar, and not actively taking lessons, but watches YouTube to learn a few things.

Jeanine said...

This is really great! I am really all for my kiddos playing instruments! I never did as a kid, except piano when I visited my aunt and uncle and I am kind of sad we didn't get to. My son got to play the violin and now I'm thinking of getting them into something this summer to play!

Stockpiling Mom said...

Wow, I have never heard of Jamplay before. This sounds like a great way to help my son learn how to play some of the instruments we have but don't have time for driving to lessons. I love this! Thanks so much!

Kiwi said...

I played the clarinet in the 6th and 7th grade. I stopped after 8th though it just wasnt the instrument for me. It is good to attempt to encourage your children to play though just to learn a new skill!

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