When we consider how to raise our children to be the best human beings on the planet, one thing that can significantly contribute is through playing a musical instrument. Encouraging students to play music can help with their cognitive health and mental and emotional well-being, increase IQ and test scores, and help them become empathetic leaders. This journey, though it may seem overwhelming at first, is filled with joy, fulfillment, and countless benefits. Let me show you how to quickly set up a homeschool music program and embark on this exciting musical journey with your child.

Why Music A Lifetime of Benefits

Music can dramatically help students in every stage of life. Studies show that children who play a musical instrument can experience an increased IQ, improved test scores, enhanced intelligence, and better spelling and language skills. Playing a musical instrument also improves cognitive development, better attention, and enhanced working memory. Other studies have shown that it can help improve mathematics, reading, and comprehension skills. Additionally, playing a musical instrument has emotional benefits, such as reducing anxiety and promoting social and leadership skills. These benefits extend beyond childhood, offering a lifetime of cognitive and emotional advantages. 

Mastering a musical instrument can lead to students earning a full-ride scholarship to cover their college or university expenses even if they do not major in music.

The benefits of playing a musical instrument continue beyond childhood. Studies show that playing a musical instrument improves memory and cognition and builds critical thinking skills. One of the most surprising things it does is help prevent or reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. An interesting study found that after a stroke, playing a musical instrument helped regain dexterity. Music has often been prescribed to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Music can help develop critical thinking, creative thinking, and leadership skills at any age, which can be applied to various areas of life.

Music is a beautiful way to bring people together to play and share life experiences. Whether you're a child or an adult, there are orchestras, ensembles, bands, camps, and more that you can join at any level. Playing musical instruments makes it easy to find a fun group of people to make friends with and gives everyone a great sense of significance and purpose.

How To Pick An Instrument 

When choosing a musical instrument, it's essential to select one that the student will love to play for a lifetime. Each child should choose the instrument they are most excited about and drawn to. Playing an instrument is a personal journey of self-discovery, and different personalities are better suited to other instruments. Long-term success often comes from choosing the perfect instrument they want to play.

If the student is unsure what to play, I recommend going to a music store and letting them try playing many instruments. They should pick the insturment they are most drawn to.

Should We Start On The Piano First? 

The idea that a student should start by playing the piano first and that it will somehow advance the development of playing another musical instrument is not true. The amount of knowledge gained would be so minimal that it would not be worth the student's time and effort.

Private Music Lessons 

Good news for busy parents everywhere: You do not need to know anything about a musical instrument to get your child involved in music. Find a private music teacher to teach weekly private lessons, then set a regular practice time as part of their school schedule, and they are set up for success. You can even ask the teacher to document what they are learning in lessons as part of their overall homeschool learning experience.

Look for a quality music teacher with at least ten years of teaching experience who plays professionally. Choose a teacher who specializes in the instrument your child wants to play, and avoid teachers who play multiple instruments, as they may not have as much expertise as those who focus on one. Once lessons begin, the teacher can help find a youth orchestra or performance opportunities for your child.

You will typically have two options for private music lessons: 

Traditional Lessons

In the traditional private music lessons model, students typically receive a brief 30-minute or hour-long lesson once a week. The teacher quickly explains concepts and briefly goes through them, leaving students to figure things out independently for the rest of the week. There is little customization, room for creativity, or expansion of complex concepts, and actual artist development that could lead to a career in music is nonexistent. This approach often leads to poor results, with a national study showing a 50% dropout rate of music lessons by age 17.

Concierge Lessons

String Expert has introduced a new type of private music lessons called Distinctive Concierge Violin Lessons. The setup allows the teacher to give each student their complete focus and availability, unlocking the teacher's full potential. Students receive hour-long lessons that can extend longer if needed for a specific subject. They also get free makeup lessons and can attend drop-in lessons anytime an issue or concept is difficult to understand. Additionally, their teacher is on call 24 hours a day for any concerns they may have. The average student makes a year's worth of progress in just six short months, and many are creating albums and performing careers they never thought possible before.

Group Classes and Video Courses

Beginner Group classes and video courses are fantastic supplemental materials for private lessons, but I would not recommend them as the main source of education.

Online Vs. In-person 

I am frequently asked whether there is a significant difference between online and in-person learning. What I tell people is that they are focusing on the wrong issue. The key is to find the best teacher, regardless of whether they teach online or in person.

Extensive research studies show that progress made in online vs. in-person private music lessons is the same. Some of the best music teachers in the country teach exclusively online or exclusively in person, while some of the worst teachers also teach solely online or in person. The ethos, character, ability to connect, and quality education depend exclusively on the quality of the music teacher, not the technology.

Paying For Lessons 

Professional musicians spend more time and, in some cases, more money on their craft than most doctors and attorneys. A high-quality music teacher with ten or more years of experience teaching may charge between $65 and $200 an hour for private lessons.  

Consider seeking scholarships, grants, or homeschooling charter funds to pay for lessons. Some music programs offer scholarship programs. You can also find creative ways to generate extra income, such as holding fundraisers or taking on side jobs like photography. Additionally, talk to the teacher you're interested in to explore local networks for financial assistance.

My Child Wants To Quit Music Lessons Now What?

I've encountered many adult learners who have told me, "I made the mistake of quitting the violin as a kid, and I now regret it." One of the first things you can do is talk to the teacher about it. Sometimes, minor adjustments are all it takes. Secondly, consider switching teachers. A good teacher will inspire, motivate, and help get the child back on track. If that fails to work, then consider changing teachers. Sometimes, it's not a bad teacher or a bad student, just a poor combination that doesn't work.

Practicing 

An adult study showed that even if you don't practice throughout the week, you can still benefit from playing by attending your lesson. However, more practice can help you achieve your dreams. I suggest setting aside daily practice time as part of the school day. Some students prefer practicing in one session, while others break it up between subjects.

Keep It Fun

Rember music is a fantastic experience; the best way to get the most out of it is to make it fun!