Southwest Florida offers a rich array of musical opportunities for students. However, it can be difficult for parents with a limited background in music to guide their children in this arena, particularly if they want to pursue a specific instrument. Similar to sports though, encouragement appears to be the number one area that parents should focus on, according to local music instructors. But kids are still, well, kids, and parents need guidance on how to navigate the music world.
Lay a strong foundation
Elementary school is the perfect opportunity for students to explore their interests. With related arts classes already integrated into the school schedule, kids are able to take a look at areas that they might want to pursue in middle school and beyond. Chad Craig, the music teacher at Sea Gate Elementary School in Naples, explains how classes are great exposure to the fundamentals of music and demonstrate to students what it takes to become proficient in an instrument.
Craig shares that piano, violin, or ukelele are a good foundation for a student looking to begin playing prior to band, orchestra, or chorus classes in middle school. “The ukulele has taken over the musical world in the last decade,” he said. “A child can learn two or three chords and start playing hundreds of songs.” Starting out with an instrument like ukulele is the financially feasible option for most families, as it allows kids to try out whether playing an instrument is something that excites them by building off the fundamentals they are already learning in music class.
Establish a routine
When a student does start learning a specific instrument, setting up a practice routine is important. Wendy Willis taught flute in Naples for 20 years and was an elementary music, band, and chorus instructor for pre-K through eighth grade at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School in Naples for seven years. When it comes to how parents can support their children’s music education, she finds that encouragement to practice is the most important thing they can provide.
When asked about whether parents should push their children to practice, Willis explains that much of it rests on the child’s own musical aspirations. “If you want to give it a fair shot, parents should say ‘This is your job right now,’” Willis said. By helping to establish a regular practice schedule, parents can ensure that their children are giving this new activity a fair chance. Students who practice consistently will see their skills improve, which enhances their enjoyment of playing and lays the foundation for success in music. The practice sessions don’t need to be long, especially for a new musician. Consistently practicing every day for 15 minutes is more effective than slogging through an hour once a week.
Show up
No matter what age a student is, performing is important because it demonstrates to themselves and those around them the positive results that practice can have. Showing up for your child at these performances helps pave the way to a positive musical experience.
Craig and Willis both emphasized the importance of parents attending performances. “Students want to show off their hard work and talent,” Craig said.
“It is important because it shows that you’re supporting what your child is doing,” Willis added. Attending concerts and recitals over a span of years allows parents to watch their child’s growth as a musician, student, and person. It is a rewarding experience for the student and the parent, because both have put in hours of practice into being the best that they can be.
It’s not one or the other
A common obstacle faced by protagonists in coming-of-age movies is when parents value sports over music. Unfortunately, this is an instance where art is imitating life. But it doesn’t have to be one or the other – many students participate both in music and sports in middle and high school.
Craig grew up playing football and participating in the marching band. It was a
valuable experience for him because so many of the positive lifelong skills that he developed in those activities were reinforced from both activities. “Kids can be athletic and musical,” Craig said.
Personal experience
As a 19 year old who has been studying the flute for nine years and counting, I have found that what I need most from my parents is encouragement. Attending concerts, sitting through mock auditions, and occasional (sometimes frequent) reminders to practice ensured my dedication to music.
In sixth grade, my mom surprised me with a book of flute music from The Greatest Showman film. She realized how important the flute was to me, and she wanted to acknowledge my hard work. Knowing that she recognized the effort I was putting in and rewarded me with something that reinforced my love for playing encouraged me to practice and play new music. As a sophomore in college, I continue to hold that memory close to my heart still and play music from that book.
What mattered most to me was the time my mom took out of her day to sit and listen to me practice. It’s really hard to find motivation to practice if you can’t see an end goal, but having someone to share my music with became that motivation.
Alternatives to Private Lessons
Are private lessons too time consuming or expensive? Check out some of these great resources and tips below.
YouTube: Lots of musicians provide free video lessons online, but consider asking a band, orchestra, or choir director for channel recommendations to aid your child’s study of their instrument.
Essential Elements Method Books (Essential Elements Interactive, Book 1 with online media access).
IMSLP.org: Free access to thousands of scores and pieces of music online. Get more info at IMSLP.org
Audition opportunities through school: Solo & Ensemble; All-State Band; All-County Band.
The Music Foundation of Greater Naples: Haegg and Samson Scholarship Competitions provide free private lessons to students. More information at www.musicfoundationnaples.org
Encourage your kid to find a practice buddy: play duets, have scale competitions, and just make sure they’re playing their instrument!
Rachel Newman graduated from Barron Collier High School in 2023. She attends the College of Wooster in Ohio where she majors in English and double minors in music and South Asian studies. Rachel has played the flute since fifth grade and continues to play in the Scot Symphonic Band at her college.