Friday, June 3, 2011

How to Help Your Child Develop More Self Discipline Through Music Lessons

There are numerous parenting resources stating that music lessons help teach self discipline. How does this happen? To get better at any skill, you have to spend time training or practicing. Golfers play practice rounds, athletes follow a training schedule, sports teams have regular practice sessions and musicians must also spend time practicing.

Children will develop self discipline as they practice music. And how do you get your child to practice? As a music teacher, I get this question all the time from parents. Let me offer a few tips and tricks I have learned over the years teaching piano.

Nagging your child to practice creates nothing but stress for parents and kids, but leaving it up to your child to practice without some guidance and encouragement is not fair to the child. We don't expect children to always want to brush their teeth, do their homework, or go to bed on time! You need a positive approach that can encourage your child while helping build self-esteem and self discipline.

1. Help your child set up a regular time to practice each day. Before school, right after school or before dinner might fit your schedule.

2. Praise each and every small accomplishment!

3. Ask your child's teacher about the weekly assignment and how you can help your child with any problem areas.

4. Hold "mini recitals" at home to listen to your child perform.

5. Be patient but firm about practicing.

6. Don't expect perfection. Keep praising the practicing!

7. Encourage your child to practice new material slowly at first. It is more efficient to play slowly and correctly at first and then pick up the speed little by little.

8. I encourage my students to keep a weekly practice chart. Just writing in the amount of practice time each day can be motivational.

9. Rewarding a good practice week can be very motivational for your child.

10. Practice sessions can be broken up throughout the day. 10 minutes before school, 10 minutes after school, 10 minutes before dinner. My "favorite" is flashcard drills during the TV commercials!

11. Don't over schedule your child! Choose a reasonable number of activities where your child can excel.

Being able to play an instrument and create music can be one of the greatest joys in life for your kids. Studying music encourages time management, organizational skills, perseverance and self-discipline. These important skills will heavily influence your child's future success in both higher education and their career.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/6309155

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