For Families: How to Support Your Child in Their Music Education
Music is a complex area of study. The language of music – notation, symbols, and so on – can be challenging to learn. The technical aspects of playing an instrument and the development of one’s ear are all life time pursuits. There is a lot to know; a lot that goes on within the brain and body even when simply playing one note.
I have often thought about the parents of my students, and how they are able to help support their child in their musical growth.
A parent may be able to help their child in mathematics because they have studied that subject before. Are they able to help their child in their musical pursuits if they haven’t studied music? They can certainly be supportive and loving as their child works at their new instrument. In my experience, some families without a musical background may not always know how they can help their child in music.
With the following ideas you will be well equipped to help your child in his or her instrumental studies.
Listen To Great Recordings
Listening to great recordings of master musicians playing your child’s instrument can be incredibly impactful for a number of reasons.
First, listening to great recordings can provide inspiration for what is possible on an instrument with practice. Secondly, listening to great recordings gives a snapshot of what an instrument should sound like and an instrument’s sound potential.
If your child is a bassist, find recordings of great bassists. Play them examples of inspiring, exciting, beautiful bass playing.
Do a quick search of great electric bassists and you will find names such as Jaco Pastorius, Louis Johnson, James Jamerson, Larry Graham, and John Paul Jones. Do a quick search of double bassists and you will find names such as Ray Brown, Edgar Meyer, Ron Carter, Gary Karr, Paul Chambers, Charles Mingus, and the list goes on and on.
These bassists will prove to be inspiring and provide an idea into the possibilities of the instrument.
Listen To Your Child Play
We all lead very busy lives. Families are on the go with many commitments and activities. However, when possible, sit with your child and listen to them play for you. Ask them questions about the music they are playing.
If something sounds “off” always strive to be encouraging and positive in your feedback. Ask your child to play the piece again. Check with them about a note or fingering if something didn’t sound correct to your ear.
Encourage them every step of the way, as best you can, and be positive!
Reach Out
If your child is enrolled in a school music program, reach out to their teacher. Ask the teacher for feedback regarding your child’s progress, and additional resources, websites, or materials they recommend. Their school teacher is likely a valuable resource.
Private Instruction
Nothing beats private, one-on-one, weekly instruction with a master musician. As an orchestra director, I understand that cost and time is often a barrier for families, but if the interest and resources are there I would always encourage students to study privately.
A great place to start is to look and see who is on faculty at your closest college or university.
If your child is enrolled in a school music program, ask their instrumental teacher if they have any reputable teachers they could recommend. I provide my parents with a list of teachers at the beginning of each year, and it is likely most music teachers have a similar list.
Look for local music studios or your local American String Teachers Association chapter to see who is on staff in your area. It is important to find a right fit when searching for a private teacher. Consistent and focused instruction by a specialist will help your child improve tremendously!
Learn about your child’s instrument
Search out and learn about your child’s instrument.
If your child plays the bass, it would be helpful to know how the instrument is tuned, the names of the strings, the job of the bass in music, etc.
There are many great resources online that can provide information on renting instruments, buying instruments, study methods, books, and resources.
Check the International Society of Bassists as well as Contrabass Conversations for double bass resources and information.
Attend Concerts
Attend concerts to hear your child’s instrument performed at a high level, in person.
Again, a great place to look for concert opportunities would be your local college or university.
Many colleges have faculty concerts throughout the year. These same colleges will also have student recitals which will certainly prove inspiring as well.
Attend concerts hosted by your local symphony, community orchestra, jazz society, or community band programs.
Additionally, the International Society of Bassists is also a great place to look out for bass related events and performances in your area.
Conclusion
These ideas are a good starting point for supporting and investing in your child and their music education. When possible, provide your child with opportunities to hear his or her instrument played at a high level in person or through recordings. Listen to your child play, learn about their instrument and it’s role in music, and be as supportive as possible. If possible, providing private instruction for your child will help them grow in their studies tremendously. Finally, reach out to their instrumental teacher if they are enrolled in a school music program for feedback and resources – they are likely a valuable source.