How to Get Kids to Practice Musical Instruments

Practicing musical instruments isn’t always going to be fun, but it certainly should have more ups than downs. Here are some parenting tips that can help kids find the fun and creativity in regular practice and music lessons.

Offer Kids Choices in Musical Instruments

If parents can allow some autonomy when it comes to choosing kids’ musical instruments, they’ll take the first step toward making music lessons and practice sessions a success. Certainly parents should have input into the financial and practical aspects of the instruments children suggest. Still, kids are far more likely to take ownership of their progress and practice time if they are included in the planning.

Play Musical Instruments Along With Kids

Parents who set the example by learning musical instruments along with their kids are far more likely to inspire a lasting enjoyment of music. Who says only kids should learn to play a musical instrument anyway?

When parents learn with their kids it doubles the fun. There’s always someone handy to harmonize and enjoy the music. Plus, kids will hear first hand that beginners don’t sound perfect.

Additionally, parents who play along with kids won’t feel helpless when kids run into a tricky patch and have questions. Children aren’t going to progress if all parents can offer is, “Keep practicing.” The parent who picks up their own instrument and says, “Yeah, I have trouble with that, too. Let’s see if we can figure it out together,” is bound to have a more attentive audience.

Parents who already play an instrument have a little head start of course. But for parents who are completely new to music, the best way to make this happen is to find a music instructor who’ll allow them to sit in on the lessons. Most teachers will be grateful for the support at home.

Except in the case of a piano or other very large and expensive instrument, parents learning along with their children will probably want to buy their own musical instruments for a few reasons. First, many instruments are sized differently for children and adults. Also, with two instruments in the house, families can have fun playing together.