It certainly takes a lot of practice to learn a musical instrument. However, sometimes children feel like they’re losing interest or they aren’t making any progress. They may even think about giving up their practice. Many musicians in this world have gone through similar challenges and overcome them with their grit and determination.
There can be many solutions for such problems, but it all begins with identifying the challenges they face. Here are some of the common problems faced by kids while learning a musical instrument and the possible solutions:
1. Feeling as if they’re not improving
Despite putting in many hours of hard work, the child may not see any improvement. This is especially true in today’s times when people expect faster results. The feeling that no progress is being made often kills the interest of kids in learning a musical instrument. Such kids must always remember that improvement takes time. Parents and teachers carry a greater responsibility here.
They must keep these children motivated at all times and appreciate even the smallest of their accomplishments. They must encourage them to keep going even if they feel nothing significant is happening. Kids must also be encouraged to ask their music teachers for some useful insights and tips.
2. Thinking that they aren’t good enough
This is a problem many grown-ups face as well. Just a thought that they’re not good enough can be extremely discouraging for children. It can be devastating when they already have the feeling that they’re working hard without any signs of improvement. Many children often compare themselves with other kids who play the same instrument.
Instead of using the other kid’s success as a source of inspiration, they tend to make comparisons. This leads to them developing an inferiority complex. Such kids must be taught to use the success of others as a motivation to do better. It would take some effort for the kids to develop this attitude, but it would certainly happen with persistence.
3. Lack of praise and encouragement
Children can lose their confidence when their friends or family members don’t take their passion for music seriously. Criticism can also be greatly discouraging for kids, especially when they’re playing the instrument right. They feel as if their efforts towards improvement aren’t being acknowledged or praised.
If the criticism is coming from the kid’s parents, then the child must communicate it to them. The criticizing parent must know how the child feels when he or she is being criticized. If the music teacher is the culprit here, the child must talk to him or her about it.
Sometimes, two individuals just aren’t right for one another. In such a situation, it would be a good idea to start learning from a new teacher. Some kids prefer gentle, slow-paced musical lessons while others need a little push from others.
4. Stressful practice schedules
When a child is learning to play a musical instrument, it is always helpful to have a schedule. Having a schedule helps the kid in knowing when to practice and for how long. This is undoubtedly essential for those who have a long-term plan of playing professionally.
On the other hand, things can go really wrong when a schedule becomes stressful for the child. This happens when it seems more like a full-time job. It is, therefore, absolutely necessary for teachers to decide what works best for the child. Parents must also allow the child to practice at their own pace and have their own personal goals.
