Music learning is a complex process. Many things go into it, from pitch and rhythm to the actual notes. It cannot be easy to figure out how to get your children started with music.
“Not everyone is Yo-Yo, but 70% of the population should have an instrument that’s good enough to play in a civic oratorio,” stated Phyllis Fulton (co-owner of Music Together of Charlotte).
Continue reading to learn what local music professionals who work with youth have to say about starting lessons, practicing, and finding affordable education options.
Let’s begin at the beginning.
Experts recommended that children learn to play as young as possible.
Ernest Pereira, the music director for the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra, said that “in general, fairly early in life is good.” He stated that every youth in the CSYO’s string program, including instruments like cello and violin, started playing at age 6.
Fulton’s company is designed for children aged 0-5 to learn about music and play instruments. Fulton encourages parents to make musical activities with their children. She advised that children should start singing, dancing, creating songs together, and moving around to rhyme.
It can be difficult to determine the age at which you should start learning how to play an instrument.
Fulton suggested that formal lessons should begin when children can write their names. This shows that they have fine motor skills and can sit for 15 minutes.
John Tosco, the founder of Tosco Music Party, stated that “usually around 8 years is a good range.” The case was formed by his three children and signed with Madonna’s Maverick Records. It released an album in 2002. They have since left the band.
Tosco also teaches guitar. He said that children who want to learn to play woodwind and brass instruments should be at least 8 years old, as it is difficult to hold them and maintain the necessary breadth to play.
Fred Spano, associate professor of music education and music education coordinator at UNC Charlotte, is the interim coordinator for undergraduate music studies. He stated that children should learn piano and string instruments by age 5.
Don’t worry, baby
You don’t have to be a middle school graduate to learn.
Tosco stated, “Really, you are never too old or too young.”
Spano stated that musical ability couldn’t generally be changed after 10 or 11. “You won’t be capable of changing your musical aptitude after a certain age, but it’s not impossible to learn music.”
He encouraged teenagers with interest in music to give it a shot. Laurel Talley is the Suzuki coordinator at Community School of the Arts. She said that it’s never too late to learn. She advised that teens decide which instrument they would like to play and not be discouraged.
“Instrumental music can be very difficult at first… It’s not easy to sound like a recording of a song you’ve heard over and over again.
She suggested that teens have a goal. She said that fame is not the only thing teens should strive for.
Sam, play it!
Practice is key to learning how to play music. However, almost all experts agree that parents’ common complaint is that their children don’t like practicing.
Lisa Lashley, a Chantilly Montessori music teacher, stated that music students in elementary school should not be allowed to stop working on it without six to eight months of hard work.
She explained that children take time to decide if an activity is for them. “It’s a fast society, but I don’t think children will instantly be able to tell if they like or hate something.
She also said it was up to the parents to decide if a child is reticent. “If it’s a family battle with screaming and temper tantrums, I wouldn’t pick that one.
Spano stated that the decision to continue or stop playing depends on the importance of the music and the age of the children. Parents can use practicing to do homework. He said that music students would be more likely to practice by middle school if they had the option of choosing which pieces to play.
He said, “I wish that I had a nickel for each time I heard the words,” “My mother allowed me to quit playing piano and now I wish that I could play,”
Tosco stated that children should play because they are passionate about a particular instrument and are interested in it.
It’s more than a hobby or an instrument. Sometimes, I believe that happens in schools. Sometimes a band director will say, “You don’t know, so I’m assigning you to trumpet.” Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
He stated that his goal is to return home feeling like they are playing, not practicing.
Tosco suggested that children should practice their instruments enough by keeping them in a place where they can reach them easily (not in a bedroom) and playing with the instrument for a few minutes each day. Tosco also stated that it is important to know that learning a song requires you first to practice the scales and chords.
Talley offered some tips to parents of young maestros.
“Create a positive environment and encourage children to practice daily. But keep them short so they are focused, attentive, focused, and feel accomplished.
She recommended that parents take 10 minutes to talk to their children and practice encouraging them.
“Practice feels like something that they will do all day, but they’ll keep doing it if they have positive reinforcement.”
ABC is as simple as 1, 2, 3,
Experts agree that music education is essential not only to learn music but also because it has many benefits for other areas of your life.
Fulton stated that research shows the benefits go beyond instruction. Children who play the piano can improve their processing, relationships, math, science and language acquisition.
Talley stated that music is made up of math, history, and language. It can tap into almost any academic or developmental area.
Spano stated that recent neuroscience studies had shown a connection between music and neuronal connections. Music enhances and develops your brain. He said, “It grows your brain faster, and the neuro connections are stronger.”
“Neglecting music…is probably doing a disservice for the child.”
Tosco stated that he has seen how music can help people develop their minds.
“There is a social aspect to being part of a group that plays music together, whether it be in a school band or at an event where everyone strumming a guitar and singing along.”
Instruction options
Music education can be affordable.
Fulton stated that YouTube is a great source for music lessons and instructional videos. Fulton also suggested singing in a church choir or purchasing an affordable instrument on Craigslist. “I know a friend who bought a ukulele on Craigslist for $10 in a box.
She recommended that young children make their percussion instruments, which she described as uncooked rice sandwiched between two pieces of paper. Fisher-Price also offers a rainbow-colored xylophone.
Fulton stated that teenagers who play music often offer lessons for less than experienced teachers.
She recommended open mic nights for teens. She said, “It’s an excellent way to see it and get inspired.”
He stated that many young people visit the Evening Muse to listen and play. The Common Market in South End hosts an open mic night every Tuesday. Open mic nights are held at the Evening Muse every Wednesday for $3.
Talley also recommended the Community School of the Arts. He said that the school is affordable and can work with families.
