Advice on lessons for kids!
Bringing music into a child’s life in different ways, from Spotify playlists to age appropriate concerts, is enriching and positive for their development. Music lessons can also provide a stress-relieving and fun outlet as they grow, and a music school can offer a welcoming community outside of regular school. But when’s the right time to start music lessons? How do you pick an instrument? And how do you get kids to stick with it? If you’re considering signing your children up for individual or group lessons, here are some pointers from Èlan Church-Lovett, general manager at School of Rock Atlanta in Buckhead.
The Right Age
While tinier musical savants are definitely out there, around age 5-6 is typically the earliest that instrument lessons make sense, says Church- Lovett. Some music schools offer group classes that introduce early elementary school children to several instruments at a time rather than initially homing in on any one. For instance, in School of Rock’s Rookies program (ages 6-7), kids learn music fundamentals such as chords and song structure while experimenting with the guitar, bass, piano, drums and vocals. “We introduce music concepts with songs they already love.”
The Instrument Selection
Choosing an instrument to focus on depends on each individual student’s interest and family situation. “Younger students often gravitate to keys, drums or singing,” Church- Lovett says. “If you don’t have room for a drum kit at home or don’t want to invest in one, we might steer kids toward the bass, another rhythm instrument.” Older children may have an easier time with the guitar because their fingers are stronger. Starting on a three-string guitar can be helpful for little ones determined to strum.
The Individual vs. Group Class
Both have their benefits, and kids who are really into music can do both! One-on-one instruction affords kids individualized attention from their teacher. Group sessions provide learning opportunities from instructors and other kids alike, and makes it a more social activity. “They absorb so much information from their peers,” says Church- Lovett, who points out that the school’s Rock 101 program (ages 8-13) offers beginners a weekly private lesson and group band rehearsal. Alternatively, a summer camp can be a fun, low-commitment way to explore music.
The At-Home Support
Practice is an important part of learning to play an instrument and often requires caregiver oversight. A music teacher might give kids homework to do between lessons or ask them to practice songs, but students aren’t always self-motivated. “The encouragement of parents at home is essential to their progress,” Church-Lovett says. This is especially imperative if your child is part of a band that’s relying on them—and it’s also a good life lesson in teamwork.
The Choice to Quit
If your child wants to stop music lessons, calmly take a close look at why. Is it because they’re over-scheduled? Because they’re not jiving with the music instructor, instrument or rehearsal schedule? “If there’s ever a problem, there might just be a little tweak that’s needed to continue, even as simple as more sleep or an extra snack after school. But we certainly don’t want any burnout. If kids lose interest, they can always come back to music at a later date,” Church- Lovett says. “Music is lifelong learning. The door is always open.”
SCHOOL OF ROCK ATLANTA
404.218.3105
schoolofrock.com/locations/atlanta
@schoolofrockatl
