Many parents have encountered the situation whereby their child started out very interested in picking up music lessons for the piano, violin, cello or saxophone, however the child soon loses his or her interest. Imagine the surprise of the parent and the heartbreak of losing a lot of money they have invested in the child’s private music lessons and music instruments. In many cases, the child (now grown up as a teenager) regretted his or her decision and wished their parents had been more insistent on making sure he or she completes learning the violin, cello or piano.

There are four techniques which will encourage a child to continue his music lessons through teenage years. What are these techniques which will keep the child passionate about music?

1. Enrol your child in group classes

Many times, parents start their children on private violin or cello lessons and soon after, the child declares that he or she want to quit. However, with a friend or in a group, the child develops his interest faster. Group music lessons can be structured to be a fun activity especially for young children.

It is true that children who take music lessons in a group tend to acquire the interest in the instrument, since they view that the weekly classes are fun get together with their friends.

Aside from group classes, consider enrolling your

child in a performing group like the youth orchestra. From regular practice sessions, your child will develop a deeper appreciation in the instrument.

2. Be encouraging

Children thrive on encouragement. Be positive and give encouraging comments to your child. Try not to shout or stress your child out when he or she is not picking up the instrument at the desired pace.

Aside from offering words of encouragement, reward them for practicing the instrument regularly. The reward could be a trip to the local ice cream store or a toy. For teenagers, you may want to be flexible in terms of how long they practice every day.

3. Do not cram their schedule

It is natural for any parent to wish that their child excel in everything they do. However, there needs to be a balance between cramming their schedule full of activities and classes and leaving them some play time. If you wish for your child to excel in playing a music instrument, pick one instead of several so that your child can focus.

So in summary, if you ensure that the above four points are adhered to, this will ensure that your child develops passion for taking music lessons in whichever instrument he or she is interested in.