Music is a teacher on its own.
Practice Tips and Practice Games
Click here for websites for kids, articles and additional information about the benefits of music education
There are so many benefits, but there are common issues to address.
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How to focus on the present and the future at the same time
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How to hear and listen
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Collaboration
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Creativity
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Self confidence
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Self discipline
Research
Music education encourages ownership of learning.
Basically, when a student understands “why”, “how”, “where” and “when” to practice, they have been given power. They will feel a sense of responsibility, which will then lead to self motivation and routine. Ideally we want our children to have ownership over their own learning in every aspect of life, and music education is a wonderful way to teach this!
Studying music teaches crucial functional skills, addresses characteristics of emotional intelligence and reinforces skills necessary to function productively and successfully in life.
Issues and Obstacles
Research in music and child development has yielded the undeniable fact that participation in music instruction improves academic achievment and more.
Studying Music
Too Expensive
PING is an all-volunteer group that provides instruments and supplies based on free and reduced lunch eligibilty. Click here to learn more.
Another battle! Too much homework already!
My child has a disability.
We already battle about doing homework! Why add practicing to the list?
Practice games and practice tips might make homework and practicing less stressful.
Take a look at practice games and practice tips. There is also a section about students with disabilities. You might find some of that information helpful if your student presents more intense challenges.
Music might be a strength for your student. S/he might find the experience rewarding, with guidance and postive reinforcement. This might be the opportunity s/he needs to begin to develop self-discipline and to take responsibility for his/her actions.
ANOTHER ACTIVITY!??!?! No way! Schedules are crazy enough. More stuff to buy! How much does an instrument cost anyway?
We are so fortunate to live in a family-oriented community that offers so many extra-curricular activites and provides so many experiences for students. The downside making difficult decisions to choose the best schedule, given the logistics, for your student.
At Austin Music Center buying an instrument is not necessary and in some cases discouraged, when the student begins taking lessons. (Renting an instrument) Beginning in fourth grade in Districts 90 and 97, the students have the opportunity to begin learning how to play at school, during school time, for the most part.
Austin Music Center rents instruments for an initial 3-month period. After the first 3 months return the instrument at any time-
NO FEES
NO QUESTIONS ASKED.
Click here to learn more about renting and renting-to-own an instrument.
S/he will be so far behind!
Some parents don't allow their kids to become students of music because their peers began taking private lessons when they were younger. They feel their children will be too far behind and won't "catch up."
Teachers must take this into account every year. Your child will learn to play with other students who are just beginning too.
Don't forget, music education has proven to be a factor in improved academic achievement based on test scores. Even if your child isn't first chair in band or orchestra, s/he will most likely be at the top of the class in academic achievement. In addtion, playing an instrument offers many other benefits including building self-confidence, increasing chances for success in other new endeavors.
Take a look at all the people who learned to play an instrument and went on to succeed in other areas of life!