Back-to-school season is always an exciting and busy time for families. It’s the perfect moment to get back into good habits, organize schedules, and set new goals for the year ahead. If your child has chosen to start learning a musical instrument or is continuing their musical journey, this time of year can be the ideal opportunity to establish a regular and enjoyable practice routine.
In this article, we offer essential tips to help your child prepare for the musical school year and support them in this enriching adventure.
The benefits of music for your child’s development
Before diving into practical advice, let’s remember the importance of music in a child’s development. Learning to play an instrument isn’t just about having fun — it also stimulates several aspects of personality and cognition.
Music promotes:
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Cognitive development: It stimulates memory, concentration, and logical thinking, especially when a child learns to read sheet music, follow a rhythm, or coordinate movements.
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Creativity: Music is a form of personal expression that encourages children to explore their emotions and develop their imagination.
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Self-esteem: Achieving small milestones while learning an instrument helps build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
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Empathy and collaboration: When a child plays in a group or orchestra, they learn teamwork, listening skills, and adapting to others.
Whether it’s a wind instrument, guitar, or drums, music helps children grow in a unique and meaningful way.
1. Choosing the right instrument for your child
Choosing the right instrument is one of the key steps in your child’s musical journey. A poorly chosen instrument can make learning difficult and may even discourage your child over time. Here are some important elements to consider:
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Your child’s interests: Let your child express their musical preferences. If they love classical music, a wind instrument like flute or clarinet could be ideal. If they’re drawn to rock, guitar or drums may be a better fit.
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Your child’s size and build: Some instruments — such as wind instruments (clarinet, saxophone) or guitar — require a certain height or strength to play comfortably. Make sure the instrument suits their age and size.
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Noise level and home environment: If you live in an apartment or have noise-sensitive neighbors, consider the sound level. Wind instruments and drums can be loud. In such cases, electronic versions (electric guitar, electronic drum kit) or quieter instruments like piano or violin may be more appropriate.
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Budget: Instrument prices vary widely. It’s best to choose a reliable instrument without overspending at first. Renting or purchasing a used musical instrument is also an excellent option to access quality at a lower cost.
2. Creating a music-friendly environment
A supportive environment is essential to encourage your child to practice and progress. The space should be functional and inspiring.
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A calm, dedicated space: Ideally, choose a quiet corner of your home far from distractions such as TV or video games. A calm, well-lit space helps your child stay focused and enjoy their practice.
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Proper equipment: Beyond the instrument, additional equipment may be needed, such as a guitar stand, a music stand for sheet music, or a metronome. A good chair or stool suited to your child’s size is also important for maintaining correct posture.
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Regular practice schedule: Consistency is key. Encourage your child to practice daily, even for just 15–20 minutes. Try integrating this routine into a balanced, structured schedule.
3. Taking regular lessons
Learning an instrument is often easier and more effective with a qualified teacher. Music lessons help structure learning, track progress, and quickly correct bad habits.
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Music lessons at school: Learning an instrument is often more effective with a qualified instructor. The school environment provides structure and the right resources for regular progress, helping students develop strong skills in a motivating setting.
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Private lessons: For beginners, private lessons offer personalized guidance tailored to your child’s needs. This one-on-one support helps build solid foundations and confidence.
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Group lessons: Joining group classes or a children’s orchestra can be highly motivating. These activities encourage teamwork, harmony, and the social side of musical learning.
4. The importance of encouragement and patience
Learning an instrument isn’t always easy, and children may face challenges along the way. It’s essential to encourage them and celebrate each step forward — even small ones.
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Don’t get discouraged: It’s normal for the first weeks to feel difficult. Encourage your child to persevere and to view small achievements as steps toward a bigger goal.
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Celebrate progress: Every achievement deserves recognition, whether it’s learning a new piece or mastering a new technique. These moments build motivation and self-confidence.
5. Make use of available resources
Today, many resources can complement traditional lessons. The internet is full of educational videos, tutorials, and sheet music to help children learn and practice.
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Mobile apps: Many music apps offer interactive sheet music and fun ways to practice technique.
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Online videos: Platforms like YouTube offer countless learning videos for all levels, including instrument-specific tutorials.
Conclusion
Your child’s musical back-to-school season can be an incredibly enriching experience for the entire family. By choosing the right instrument, creating a supportive practice space, enrolling your child in regular lessons, and encouraging them along the way, you set them up for musical success.
At Twigg Musique, we understand the importance of offering high-quality instruments suited to children of all ages and skill levels. Whether your child wants a wind instrument, a guitar, or something else, we invite you to explore our wide selection to support them on their musical journey. Feel free to visit us and choose the instrument that will inspire your child and help them develop their musical talent.