Four Ways to Spark their Enthusiasm
Inspire them and see the improvement!
So your children are Suzuki students. You know that music making is more comprehensive, much more than understanding the Suzuki method. It is a philosopy, a way of life. It’s about encouraging by nurturing.
If music making is to be effective it needs to come from the heart. So now, let me guess… you holler, “Time to sit down and practice”
And your children come jumping in instantly, eager to get going?
Whatever!!
Hmmmm. It doesn’t happen at your house?
It is possible! It just takes a little creative energy and some new ideas to try and you’ll all be off to a new start!
So let’s go for the first Spark to get that happy fire going.
No. 1 You be the Enthusiastic Encourager.
Think back to your children’s first steps They faltered and fell. But didn’t you yell “Aswsome! Not to worry! You can do it! ?”
Why not be just as encouraging when they’re developing ability to speak the language of music on whatever instrument they have chosen?
No. 2 Give Rewards.
Learning is hard work for most, and children aren’t able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. So what if we were to treat them in the same way we’d treat a puppy?
Reward them after practicing.
What child won’t come cheerfully to find what their next reward will be?
Young kids love stickers, but even older ones will practice cheerfully when they know that:
- 5 stickers turns into a swim
- 10 stickers means a visit to their friend’s house
- 2 stickers means a tasty treat
Or whatever you know is a treat for your child! Rewards along the way will ensure they don’t stall, but keep persisting.
No. 3 Make a Daily Practice Chart.
Make a list of all music pieces to be practiced. Include a fun motivational quote at the top. Talk about the goals for new music at the beginning of each week. Include the number of times each section is to be played.
You may have a copy of what we use. Here it is:
No. 4 Use a Timer
Only set it for 15 minutes. Most kids can get their heads around the thought that they can manage 15 minutes. Let them know that when the timer beeps, it’s time to stop. They’re not allowed a second over!
They’ll play cheerfully while anticipating the glorious moment when they can STOP.
To accomplish their goals they need to play for an hour a day. No problem. Doing anything for only 15 minute is easy
Especially when it’s really play.
Your attitude, your encouragement, your thrill as they accomplish their first steps, their toddling steps then their confident walking and running, holds the key.
You can become an Enthusiastic Encourager as well!
Written by Merilyn Aveling-Rowe, mother of Stephen Aveling-Rowe who is a cellist, organist and creator of “My Heart Can Sing at Christmas” CD & DVD.