instrument suited to your child’s
personality and physical readiness.
Studios such as Tutti Music hold
instrument workshops where
children have a chance to play with
more than 20 different orchestral
instruments. A teacher assesses a good
match based on which instruments
the child gravitates to, sustained
Often overlooked is the role of the
teacher, especially in the formative
years. Tricia says, “An award-winning
concert violist may not always make
the best teacher. A good teacher is
just as passionate about teaching as
she is about playing.” Make sure to
check if the teacher has been trained
in early music education but, most
parents not to be disappointed
if a child shows no interest in an
instrument and to consider choral
and voice training among their
musical options.
Follow your child’s lead
Find a music programme that is
child-centred and encourages their
creativity. Every child matures
differently and starting on an
instrument too early can make for a
negative experience. Also be aware
that their attention span may top off
at 45 minutes, so persistent nagging
to practise may only backfire.
Ada says, “Every child is born
with music aptitude and an innate
ability to enjoy music, and our job
as parents is to nurture it. Early
childhood music educators and
parents should follow a child’s lead.
If we observe carefully and offer
them the space and time to grow,
and start them on instruments at
the proper time, children often can
surpass others who started on an
instrument too early and are forced
to learn by rote.”
A situation where your child lost interest
in an instrument can be salvaged. Try
another instrument and his interest in
music could be rekindled.
interest, as well as listening and
cognitive development. There will
be trial and error, but this process
is necessary for a child to discover if
he enjoys the sound the instrument
makes. Ada Niermeier, who holds a
master’s degree in music education
and founded Tutti Music, says, “A
situation where your child lost interest
in an instrument can be salvaged. Try
another instrument and his interest in
music could be rekindled.”
importantly, scout out a teacher who
understands your child’s learning style.
Savannah Lee, who teaches voice
at Baron School of Music, says she
first started on the piano when she
was three, but it was not until she
was 13 that she met a teacher who
propelled her interest and learning.
Although Savannah started on the
piano, she auditioned and sang with
the respected San Francisco Girls
Chorus for eight years. She advises
March 2013
47