If you're a parent of a child taking private music lessons, I want to give you a big THANK YOU! You're part of an elite group of parents who care enough about their child to sacrifice time and money for your child's future. As many studies have shown, music education has proven to have a positive impact on a child's brain, social skills, and confidence. Trust me when I say, it will pay off! It may not feel like it now, but it will. In my own experience, my child finally thanked me for giving him music lessons when he was in his 30s!
Investment In Your Child's Life
With your sacrifice (let's call it what it is, "investment" in your child's life), you want the best return. Every time your child misses a lesson, you're not just losing money on that particular lesson you're paying for (depending on the instructor's policy), you're also losing the long-term investment when they lose the progress and momentum they've built. Apart from practicing, attendance is the most important part of learning to sing or play an instrument.
If it isn't consistent, not only will it hinder their progress, but it will also undermine their commitment and enthusiasm to learn music. I've seen it multiple times that when a student starts canceling multiple lessons, it will lead to a permanent cancellation. Being committed to attendance also teaches young students discipline and reliability, qualities that are great assets for any career they choose.
But life gets in the way at times, and it's understandable to miss a lesson now and then. Here are three tips for keeping attendance consistent:
#1. Make sure to schedule it at a time that is easy to keep.
If you know there are many commitments on a particular day, try to schedule it for a less busy day. Keep an organized calendar for the whole family to see and be aware of the lesson time. Consider including the grandparents or other family members to help with transportation to the lesson.
#2. Make lessons a priority.
Today, children have a multitude of commitments that take up their time. It's easy for music lessons to get lost in the shuffle. But if you, as the parent, make music lessons a priority in their schedule, they will learn to do the same. If you let your child go shopping, play games, or go to their friend's house instead of attending their lesson, it sends a strong message that music lessons are not important, and they will not take them seriously either. It will also spill over into their lack of practice.
#3. If traveling is difficult, consider in-home or online lessons.
Private music lessons are traditionally held at the music teacher's home. Today, there are other options, either with the instructor traveling to the student's home or taking lessons online. If you have a busy workday and are not able to drive your child to their music teacher's home, find out whether there are studios that offer in-home or online lessons. At Melody Music Studios, we offer both! We have a vetted staff, complete with background checks, that you can trust to come to your home and offer a professional lesson to your older child, even if you can't be there! Another great option that is gaining more attention is interactive online lessons. These are "real" lessons with an instructor, so your child is getting the same quality of learning they would if the instructor were sitting next to them. And since you're not limited to someone nearby, you can choose just the right instructor. You can even let your child help choose the instructor on our website and view each instructor's profile at https://melodymusicstudios.com/online-music-teachers.html. I have a lot of piano students whose parents are cooking dinner or doing whatever home chores they need to do, things they couldn't do if they were transporting their child to the music teacher's studio.
What happens when attendance is consistent?
The student will learn and progress, which in turn will increase their interest and enthusiasm, helping them become a long-term student. And then in turn, they will gain the skill of singing or playing an instrument, something that takes years to master and few people achieve.
No Regrets
I've talked to so many adults who wish they had taken music lessons more seriously as a child and didn't quit, so they could now sing or play their favorite instrument. Don't let your kids be the adult who wishes you hadn't let them quit music lessons. No matter what occupation they choose, they will thank you one day!
