More Appropriate Rewards For Your Child

Like any human being, we like to be rewarded for our hard work now and then. Rewards can be incentive for paying attention, keeping a quiet body while having a lesson, following directions, and practicing. Rewards aren’t always necessary but as a parent, you may decide that your child has earned a little extra attention, ice cream, stickers, or a pat on the back for doing a stellar job. Here are some ideas for appropriate rewards.

1) A hug
2) Verbal rewards such as saying, “I am so proud of you!”
3) A sticker or a few stickers
4) A sweet treat such as a cookie or piece of candy
5) Making their favorite food
6) Setting up a playdate with someone special
7) Visiting a new playground
8)Watching a special TV program

Well, you get the idea! Whatever the reward, make it happy and healthy for your family.

One Of Our Favorite Musical Stories

Lefty and Buckaroo

Lefty and Buckaroo lived in the state of Montana.  Can you say Montana? Lefty was a girl pony and Buckaroo was a boy pony.  One day there was a rain storm and Lefty and Buckaroo ran into a cave to stay dry.  Ready to help me with a rainstorm? (Children get to clap and stomp their feet for a moment until you say "stop!")  As Lefty and Buckaroo walked into the cave, they heard a noise.  The noise sounded like a baby rattle with the rattle being shaken slowly but getting faster. (Teacher shakes maraca slowly and then faster) What was it?  Both ponies then saw a very colorful snake slithering toward them.  (Can you help me make a snake noise?) But, after the snake made a hissing noise, it began to talk.  The snake said, "Do not be afraid, my friends.  I am just a lonely snake who would like some company.  I'm so glad you're here!"  The three animals became friends and the ponies said they would come back and visit again.  Since the rain had stopped, Lefty and Buckaroo said goodbye to their new friend and galloped home. (Teacher plays wood block with mallet)

Musical Activities For Very Young Children

You may find yourself in the position of needing some ideas while working/playing/teaching young children.  

Here is an article I wrote for the Minnesota Public Radio website in early March of 2015.  It's rather long so I'll just post the link so you may read it at your leisure!

www.classicalmpr.org/story/2015/03/02/activities-children-classical-music

You Be The Music Teacher And I'll Be The Music Student

Sometimes it's fun to change roles during practice sessions with your child.  You might say to your son or daughter, "Okay, today you get to be the teacher."  "Come and sit in this special chair and I'll play your instrument today."  "You tell me what I'm doing well and not so well."  This can be a great insight to both you and your child!  Even if you, the parent, play the instrument terribly, it will still be lots of fun and give both of you clarity about what it's like to be in "each other's shoes".

The Student-Parent-Teacher Relationship

Parents, if you are new to working with a music teacher, here are some tips for you.

1) Let the teacher develop a relationship with your child. While it may be tempting to tell the teacher about your kiddo, let the connection evolve
2) Respecting and following the teacher’s suggestions are the order of the day. If you are questioning anything about the teaching, please give the teacher a call or e-mail so as to have a private conversation
3) Take the enthusiasm of the teacher home with you. Try to remember specific compliments that the teacher gave to your child during the lesson and reinforce those compliments at home
4) Keep the relationship between all three of you light. Laughter, humor, and creative guidance from both teacher and parent set the tone for a successful journey through the wonderful world of music

Practicing And Performing In The Winter

Winter is a wonderful opportunity for inviting us to turn inward to nurture our creative spirits! We in Minnesota love our outdoor activities of ice skating, skiing, snow shoeing, ice fishing, inner tubing down steep hills, and the list goes on.  We also love our arts in Minneapolis/Saint Paul.  There are dozens of indie theaters and professional venues in which to lose ourselves in the stories of other characters and to be inspired by great artists. Our local universities and music schools have cozy to imposing concert areas to meet any fine arts taste.

Those of us lucky enough to be pursuing our own musical excellence may find the season of winter to be a motivating and creative time to practice and perform.  Since we find ourselves indoors more than other seasons of the year, it is easy to find more practice and listening time.  Trying to memorize that Minuet?  Working on modal scales for your new music ensemble?  Wanting to listen to Brahms/Rachmaninoff/Haydn orchestral pieces?  Winter is your season!

For younger music students, this is a season where parents may entice their children to play a little more by: having music playing in the background in your household, parents actually taking out instruments and playing them (piano is great for inspiring a kiddo to practice since it's so easy to sit down and play), and using positive, specific verbal praise when your child is practicing.  Humor is a great motivator, as well, such as dancing a jig while your child is playing their instrument.

Remember to enjoy arts opportunities in your community by purchasing tickets and showing up to support them.  Any performance you are able to share with your child will showcase the artists' passion for their craft whether it be dance, musicals, or a childrens' museum.  A good way to stay aware of local events is to bookmark the different websites of venues in your area.

And, now I must end this post by helping us to remember to keep our bodies healthy by getting outside and choosing to participate in whatever outdoor activity makes you happy!

Which Instrument Should My Child Should Play?

Believe it or not, many children express a desire for playing a specific instrument early in their lives. Some of that desire comes from exposure to musical instruments from listening at home, preschool music classes, and concerts that they have attended. If your child starts talking and showing excitement at learning a particular instrument, (i.e. harp, guitar, violin, piano) please believe that specific instrument is probably “the one” for them.

Of course, not all children know what instrument they would care to play so it’s always a good idea in those cases to start with the basics. Piano and singing are very good instruments to learn before branching out to other instruments later.