8 Family-Friendly Ways to Support Learning a Musical Instrument at Home

Learning a musical instrument should not be about solitary practice sessions; it's an enriching journey that can be shared and celebrated with the whole family. Here are eight family-friendly ways to support your child's musical development at home:

1. Let the Teacher Teach: While it's natural to want to offer feedback, it's best to keep your relationship positive and leave the teaching to the teacher. Praise your child's efforts and progress but leave criticism to the teacher.

2. Be the Student: Encourage your child to teach you what they've learned in their lesson. Teaching reinforces their understanding of concepts and builds confidence in their abilities.  If they can teach you, it demonstrates that they have really grasped their learning.

3. Create a Safe Environment for Mistakes: Mistakes are an important part of the learning process. Foster a safe environment where errors are seen as opportunities for getting better and trying again. Encourage a growth mindset with encouraging phrases like “You’re almost there” or “you haven’t got it YET but keep trying, you will be able to.”

4. Be an Audience: Request mini-concerts at home where your child can showcase their progress. Invite family and friends to create a supportive audience atmosphere, boosting confidence.

5. Establish a Routine: Incorporate regular playing sessions into their daily routine. Connect practicing with other activities, such as playing for 10mins before dinner or when youre doing the ironing.

6. Reframe "Practice" as "Playing": The word "practice" can sometimes carry negative connotations (maybe it’s just me!). Instead, refer to it as "playing." This subtle shift in language emphasises the fun and enjoyment of making music.

7. Utilise Lesson Notes: Take advantage of the notes provided by the teacher after each lesson. Use them as a guide to encourage playing at home.  Ask to hear pieces that they have been working on or demonstrate a new skill that is mentioned in the notes.

8. Play Together: If you play an instrument or sing, join in the fun! Turn playing into a family activity by playing together. Bonding over music strengthens family ties and makes learning even more enjoyable.

By using some (or all) of these ideas, you can create a supportive environment that encourages playing and ongoing learning outside of the lesson. Together, you can celebrate achievements, overcome challenges, and foster a lifelong love of music.