So, your child is starting music lessons. Maybe this is something they’ve been wanting to do for ages, or perhaps you nudged them toward it because you know the value of music education. Either way, welcome to the wonderful world of music! You have just opened a beautiful new chapter in your child’s life, and I want to share a few thoughts with you, as a teacher, musician, and co-owner of a music school.
- Access to an instrument is essential.
If you don’t yet own your child’s instrument of choice, rent one until your teacher advises you on which instrument to buy. Practising at home is not optional; it is a vital part of the learning process. - Music is not a race.
Music is not about being the best in the class or about racing through books. The real magic of music often unfolds slowly. Sometimes growth happens unobtrusively – when a child plays the same phrase ten times over until it clicks, or starts singing along without even realising it. Progress is rarely linear; sometimes it happens in leaps and bounds, sometimes it takes more time. That is completely normal. The key ingredients? Consistency, curiosity and encouragement from the adults in the young student’s life. Music education is multi-layered: students must learn the characteristics and challenges of their instrument, how to read music, how to understand theory, and develop their aural skills. External examinations, when the student is ready, can be a great benchmark to work toward; however, there is no need to rush from one exam to the next. Learning music is about so much more than just meeting syllabus requirements. - Trust the process.
If your child does not take to music lessons immediately, don’t panic. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not musical or that the lessons aren’t working. Like learning a language, it takes time for music to habituate. Be patient. Look for small signs of engagement. Tapping a rhythm at home, humming a tune from their lesson, asking questions about music; these are signs of a musical mind that is developing. - Practice does not need to be a battle.
You don’t need to become the Practice Police. In fact, nagging tends to backfire. What helps most is to establish a gentle, predictable routine. Fifteen focused minutes regularly are better than a rushed sixty. Praise effort over outcome. And don’t worry if you are not musical yourself – you are not expected to teach. Your role is to support, encourage, and show interest. A simple “I loved hearing you play today” goes a long way. - The real lessons go far beyond music.
One of the greatest gifts you are giving your child is the chance to develop patience, perseverance, and a form of expression that goes beyond words. Some students become performers, but most don’t, and that is okay. Music teaches so much more than just notes; it nurtures confidence, self-discipline, and a deep respect for hard work and the wonder that is music. Whether your child continues for a year or for life, these lessons will stay with them.
As a teacher, I believe my job is to help students become good listeners and appreciators of music, not just performers.
Finally – we are here for you, too.
Communicate with us. Ask questions. Share your concerns. Let us know when your child has a tough week. We don’t expect everything to be smooth all the time. Remember: ours is a relationship, not a transaction. We are in it with you.
From one music-lover to another: welcome to the beginning of something meaningful.
