by Sean Stone-Ashe
When helping a child begin their musical journey, there are so many things that will need to go right for them to be successful. Musical success comes from patience, consistency, and a respect for the professional musicians who will aid them in their journey.
But beyond these important hallmarks of music education, it is valuable for musical children to grow up within a family that values music, and shares music as a pastime in some form.
A Culture that Values Music
I have heard from many parents that it is important that their children grow up learning music, with some people going so far as to require that each of their children learn a musical instrument.
As someone who believes that music is a good way to spend your time, I think this is a fantastic line of thinking! Music is a beautiful form of expression, and becoming a good musician involves overcoming bad habits, and progressing towards self-mastery. I have no doubt that people who grow up learning music see many non-musical benefits later in life.
However, I believe that musical success and musical inspiration is at its peak when young music students share musical activities with friends and family. It is not enough to simply ask or require a child to play an instrument. Instead, families should aspire to create a culture in their home where music is a strong component.
Perhaps everyone in the home is learning or practicing a musical instrument, or even the act of listening to music can be a daily ritual shared by the whole family.
We are always seeking new and powerful ways to connect with our family, and music is a universally beloved interest that almost any two people could have in common. Try structuring family activities around active musical experiences such as playing music together, playing music for each other, listening and discussing music together, or attending concerts.
These events create a culture where musical interest thrives. Students achieve the most when they are inspired and motivated, and participating in events as a family that emphasize the importance of music provide that much needed inspiration.
It will also bring the whole family together in a meaningful way to be able to discuss and share music with each other!
Additional Learning Opportunities
Another key benefit to growing up in a home where music is a shared interest is that it provides another opportunity for student feedback. If a parent or sibling is well versed in music, they can offer meaningful and respectful critiques of student performances that will further enrich any musical child.
While each student who takes music lessons receives weekly feedback from a professional teacher, young students can never receive too much feedback, and it is even valuable for students to receive feedback from people who understand music on some level, but are not necessarily professionals.
In my own musical journey, I have learned a lot from listening to critiques or questions about my playing from people such as my family or students. As a musician, it is very important to be in touch with how you sound to average listeners – not just trained musicians – because most people who will ever hear you play are more or less average listeners!
* * *
Growing up in a home where music is at the center of family activities is an invaluable experience for aspiring musicians. Not only does it further immerse young students in the world of music, providing additional educational opportunities, but it further connects music to their identity through culture, heritage, and the people they love.