Something strange happens in my house each evening. The air becomes full of noise that I really have a hard time describing. You see, my wonderful children are now budding musicians. At first, I was very excited about it. My son takes drumming lessons and is now playing trombone in the school band. My oldest daughter is taking guitar lessons and sings in the school choir. And my youngest is now getting singing tips (thanks Ms. Tonita). I mean at first I pictured beautiful music floating through the air as my little musicians honed their craft and awed the world with their gifts. Whelp…um….that is not what is happening at all in my house right now! Instead, it sounds like there is an elephant running through the house while stepping on a bag full of squeaky toys every 2 minutes and occasionally scratching the walls! I forgot how instruments sound when you are first learning to play! And since my husband and I told the kids to practice every day we have to listen to the sound of singing, Guitar, Drums, and Trombone every day. Every. Single. Day.
Recently, my son’s band director sent home a sheet of “Tips for Band Parents.” Obviously, I am not the only parent feeling the pain of instrument practice, lol! Here are two of the tips he shared that I found interesting. I think there are lessons for us all in his tips. (You knew that was coming right?).
Tip 1: Don’t worry if you hear your student mention that he or she is not practicing with the band at school. All students will be separated from the band. Each student is placed with similar instruments to build individual strengths. Now THAT is interesting! The director groups children of similar instruments together, away from the rest of the group, so each child can be a better musician. How many times do we need to separate ourselves from people with different instruments (attitudes, mindsets, behavior) so that we can improve ourselves or reach our goals? If you say never, then maybe you should consider it. Take stock of your surroundings. Who do you spend your time with and how are they affecting you? Just a thought…
Tip 2: All students will experience a cycle of emotions before instrument mastery. The emotions are: excitement, disappointment and frustration – in that order. Please support your child through this cycle with encouraging words. Note: students who choose supplemental private instruction will go through this cycle and reach mastery faster than those who don’t. I really love this one! You see, recently I set a big goal for myself to accomplish by the end of the year. I was really excited about it until I had a little setback last week. I immediately became disappointed. I wanted to quit. This tip inspires me to keep going! Are you feeling disappointed or frustrated about a recent decision you made towards reaching your goals? Success will come, just keep going! And if you need help, find someone who knows more than you about what you are trying to do. Apparently, “supplemental private instruction” helps, lol!
There were other tips but these two were great reminders for me (hope they helped you too). I will continue to support and encourage my budding musicians. Pretty soon those random notes, squeaks, and scratches will start to sound like music. In the meantime, I may have to send them to the garage for practice. 🙂
Good advice
I LOVE IT BELINDA.. Yes, you are ABSOLUTELY right about Encouraging our children. It is VERY important.. It helps to shape them & give them confidence.. I agree about who you are surrounding yourself with. You can’t become a millionaire unless you surround yourself with the same mindset, goals & accomplishments.. This is my 5th month working out & yet the scale is not my friend, but, my inches are dropping.. Every one is different & I had to accept that, because each time I get on the scale I get disappointed & discouraged, but, I keep pressing because I have a goal & those who encourage me to reach my goal.. TEAM MILLWOOD 🙂
Yes, I too am a band parent. I also used to play in the band, but that was eons ago. Anyway, the noise does eventually become music. Just be patient & perhaps get some earplugs. I totally agree with you & the band director about separating yourself. Currently I am on a hiatus from Facebook because it was just too much. I’m in a much better place now & may return at some point, but for now I will enjoy being without it. As for the cycle, I have been down that road as well. Positive encouragement goes a long way. I try to be honest, but encouraging. If he plays a wrong note, I’m not going to tell him that was good. When he plays a really beautiful note or passage, I make sure to express that too. Keep pushing & it will get better & you will reach your goal, as will they.