Many teachers and families use games and activities to spur on the music practice cycle in their kids. If this works for you, great. But take heed:
Games, stickers and similar activities only motivate the student as far as the game itself. They won’t in themselves make students care about the music or the violin. Then, when the novelty of the game wears off, what is left?
On the other hand, when a kid really cares about music and the violin, meaningful progress will occur, even with a beat up instrument and uneven family support.
For older students and adults, it’s much the same. Your deep passion for the work will carry you through the inevitable bumps and dips.
FOR PARENTS: CREATING KIDS WHO CARE ABOUT MUSIC
Inspire, don’t entertain. It’s not your job to amuse those kids with an endless parade of practice bribes. So prepare to go deeper into the music as a family. Here are some suggestions:
- Attend lessons and take notes (instead of your iPad). Be involved with the daily practice routine
- Explore music every day.
- Listen actively as a family and talk about what you’re hearing.
- Attend live concerts performed by great musicians across many genres.
- Quit talking (or even thinking) about “talent” and/or comparing your children to their peers.
Too busy or not interested in doing the above? Then you’ll get poor results at best. Be prepared for “I’m bored,” or “I don’t like violin lessons.” Novelty wears off quickly.
Seriously. If you don’t care, why should your kids?
My bottom line, speaking as a teacher to a student or to a family: “If you don’t care; I can’t help you.”