How To Persuade Your Child To Practice Guitar

By: Art Gib

Music has always been very important to me. I can't remember a time when it wasn't one of my passions, and although I have never been particularly gifted at singing or playing an instrument, I still have a hope to pass on my love to my children.

I'm sure you feel the same--whether you have a musical background or not, you recognize the value of discipline and development of this particular talent. That is why you have urged your child to excel in music through practicing the guitar.

Of course, things might have gone the other way, too. They might have begged you for it--but now their dedication seems to be slipping. No matter what the scenario, you may feel frustrated and tired of arguments or even tears and shouting.

First of all, you need to consider your child's age and interests. Unfortunately, too many parents today try to thrust their own ideas of "good music," on their children, which ends up breeding resentment.

Give them freedom to experiment. Consider purchasing an instrument that allows for even greater diversity and liberty; acoustic electric guitars are one option to allow your children to use a single instrument to explore multiple creative avenues.

Along these same lines, you may want to choose an instructor for your little musical pupil that has experience and interest in similar arenas as your child. But conversely, you still want to select someone that will challenge him or her to try new things and explore new musical paths.

For at-home practice times, try breaking them up into fifteen-minute increments. After all, children--especially younger children--have limited attention spans and can only stand so much disciplined focus at one time.

Offer them little rewards for the time they do spend practicing, particularly when they sit down to it without your nagging. This might be a trip to the ice cream parlor or a little extra TV time.

However, you should avoid giving these rewards every single time they practice. Instead, consider offering one to them if they consistently practice for a week. Give them something to work toward, and they will surely try to please.

Give them plenty of positive reinforcement aside from weekly or bimonthly rewards. Verbally praise them whenever they practice without being reminded or nagged and whenever they master or begin a new song. They want to know they are doing well, so don't be sparse with your positive commendations.

Try to understand where they are coming from, and avoid fighting. This will make them become resentful and perpetuate your frustration. It is difficult for children to focus, and they don't see in the long term like you do. So be patient!

Author Resource:-> Starr's Guitars (http://www.starrsguitars.com/) is a acoustic electric guitars. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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