When we saw this, we had to share it with all of you! Music engages your brain in ways that no other activity does, especially when you play. Music: fireworks for your mind!
There's a reason they call it playing music and not working– music. Music is Art, and young musicians need to be invited and woo'd into an enjoyable relationship with their musical instruments.
A quick way to fail is to take up the strategy of griping at your children when they don't practice for an arbitrary amount of time that you deem appropriate. If you truly want to do something to grow the artistic soul of your child, here's a fun idea.
Remember that when kids learn music they're playing around with their sense of identity. They need to go from "I want to play the guitar!" to "I'm learning to play the guitar." to "I play the guitar" and finally "I AM a guitar player!" It's a slow shifting of personal identity, not a trophy of accomplishment on their wall. Let's give them a leg up by setting up a fun space for them to practice and perform to they feel like they're already there.
Like everything in your home, music needs an area in which it happens. The place to keep things so they're out of the way, but accessible when you need them. Here are some ways that others have done it.
Here the key elements of creating and inviting environment for your child.
1. Instruments are visually open like they're saying "come play me". Amplifiers, Drumsticks, any stands to hold instruments, And more should be present but not in the way.
2. Something to listen to music on. A radio, A mobile device, A stereo. Something where they can listen to and enjoy the music of other people, And it's handy for them to play along and copy when they're ready anytime.
3. Around the instrument are things that highlight the person using the instrument. He's to be posters of favorite bands, a small bit of flooring that looks like a stage in the corner, or perhaps a barstool or a special seat that looks like they're performing available.
4. Over-the-top. A little sense of extravagance now. A microphone on the stand, even if it's not a real microphone is a prop to make them feel like they're on stage. A cheap microphone and karaoke system can be a fun alternative to make a full working microphone. Perhaps a couple stage lights?! If you have track lighting a couple colored bulbs pointed in this practice area would do wonders. A little accent lighting that you could add to set the mood. I personally prefer A bit of a bluish tent to my artistic spaces when I play.
You can do it with a corner of a room, or a whole music room if you have the space. This does not have to be expensive. A little different colored-paint in the corner of a room. An old piece of paneling and wood floor tiles.. get creative with what you have. Knowing your child and including them is important here too. Let them help you create this space. Be directive enough to let them know what you can and are willing to do with their space. Keep the instrument(s) accessible so that nothing gets in the way of them playing at a moments notice.
With a very inviting space sitting there waiting for them, you can find a tangible way to encourage your young music students without falling into the "go practice!" Trap that so many parents have fallen for and ultimately killed a child's love of music with the guilt and shame that results.
Now go rock that room! Share your ideas and results in the comments!