Some parents may question when the best time is for their child to learn to play the guitar. While there is no definitive answer, and sometimes people start learning in adulthood, there are signs, and if your child is showing interest, you can foster and encourage that learning.
Since children tend to pick up things more easily than adults, it can be beneficial for your child to learn to play guitar as early as the age of three. However, every child is different, but as their parent, you can detect when they are expressing interest in the instrument.
But, what are these signs?
Some of them may not be as easy to detect as others, but if you feel that your child is showing an interest in music, it will benefit both you and your child to help that interest grow. Musical education provides students with advantages in academics, social skills, and confidence, among other things.
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
ABILITY TO STAY FOCUSED
Learning the guitar needs a lot of patience, dedication, and practice time. It will require concentration and focus from your child. However, if your child can stay on task and follow things through, this is a good sign that they could be ready to start learning the guitar.
YOUR CHILD LOVES MUSIC
Wanting to learn the guitar requires a love of music. Children are taught music with lullabies, and nursery rhymes from infancy and typically enjoy singing along as they learn to speak.
However, if you start to notice that your child will sing by themselves without any prompts or ask you to play songs so that they can sing or dance along to them, there is a strong indication that a love of music has blossomed. It might even get slightly annoying how much they play or listen to music, which is a sure sign they are a true music lover.
SHOWING INTEREST IN THE GUITAR
Some children receive musical toys at a very young age, and they usually play with them an appropriate amount of time until they become “too old” to play with them anymore. If you have noticed that your child still gravitates towards those musical toys, particularly if you have a play guitar or ukelele and seem to have fun attempting to play it, this is a good indication that they are interested in learning the guitar.
THEY ASK TO TAKE MUSIC LESSONS
If your child has been asking to take guitar lessons, you should also tread lightly while this is a sign. If they aren’t showing enough discipline or a strong passion for the guitar just yet, you might want to wait a bit before enrolling them.
On the other hand, if you have a child who has been asking you for lessons for a long time (like over and over), you should consider that. Their interest has not waned.
HOW TO FOSTER THEIR INTEREST
ALLOW THEM TO SET UP THEIR OWN SCHEDULE
One of the biggest problems, when children start to learn the guitar is that they feel it is a chore to practice or look at it as work. And our children are used to hearing us, the parents, tell them what to do all of the time.
You can help combat this by giving them some control. First, help them make up their minds that they need to practice to learn the songs they want to play. Then, have your child figure out and set up their own schedule for practicing the guitar. If you do this, your child will be more likely to stick to it.
LEARNING THE GUITAR IS DIFFERENT THAN HOMEWORK
It helps for your child to view practicing with their guitar as something other than homework. Creating a distinct line that your child wants to do, rather than has to, is the best way to shift their mindset.
With the guitar, as long as it’s the right choice for your child, they will want to play it. Music To Your Home’s New York City guitar teachers state that many of their students foster a different view of the guitar than any other instrument. They don’t see music as a forced discipline, but rather, they are excited to learn to play it and advance in their skills.
Side Note: The instrument that your child practices on may also make a difference. Music to Your Home recommends these mini guitars for children who are just starting about ages three to eight, and these pro guitars for children ages eight to twelve before settling on an average-sized guitar.
BE A ROLE MODEL
Our biggest hurdle as parents is making sure that we set the best example for our children. Now, we’re not saying you need to go out and learn how to play the guitar if you haven’t, but any hobby you have that you are passionate about can work.
Whatever your hobby is, make sure your child can see your practice and work at it. Let your child see your enthusiasm and how excited you are to put effort into your craft; that can motivate them in the same fashion when they are learning the guitar.
TAKING MUSIC LESSONS; LEARN TOGETHER
One of the most significant steps to take is to enroll your child in guitar lessons to help them learn how to play well. However, if you are also interested in learning, you can make it a special bond for you and your child to share and take lessons yourself.
Learning together can help to encourage that love of the guitar, especially if you can learn to play different guitar parts to a song you both love so that you can perform it for other friends and family members. Also, seeing you take lessons and practice, if you are also interested in playing the guitar, will help your child see and follow your techniques in working on their talent.
TAKE YOUR CHILD TO A LIVE CONCERT
If your child can see the guitar in action, it might spark added motivation. Taking your child to a concert or a performance of someone who plays the guitar is a great way to encourage learning.
Most children don’t always have a favorite band or group, but if you have an older child interested in the guitar, you can find out what music they enjoy listening to and see about taking them to a live show in the area. Outside venues are great for young kids to view bands so that they can still run and dance around rather than being confined to a stadium or auditorium seat.
Acknowledging your child’s interest in the guitar and fostering that interest in learning the skills is a fantastic way to incorporate music into their lives. Sometimes, your child may first be inclined to learn the guitar but eventually might lose interest and be interested in another instrument or activity.
Don’t become angry if your child changes their mind. They are still young and are figuring out where their passions truly lie. Whatever their passion, encourage and foster a love while providing the example that mastering any craft takes effort and hard work to achieve, and your child will reap the benefits and advance their skills in no time.
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