How to set children up for success when they start learning music

Learning music is beneficial for everyone, especially for children whose brains are still developing. Studies have shown that music, like sports, mathematics, language learning, and ballet, can enhance children's learning abilities, memory, problem-solving skills, and a variety of other skills.

The start of a new school term can be challenging for parents, caregivers, and children alike. If you are considering having your child learn music, here are some tips to help make the journey easier. Dr. Anita Collins, a long-time music teacher and advocate, says that learning music can teach children important life skills such as persistence and resilience.

“Persistence and resilience are mechanisms in the brain,” Dr. Collins explains. For beginners, learning an instrument or memorizing a new song can be quite difficult, slow-going, and often accompanied by frustration. But Dr. Collins believes that overcoming these difficulties is an important step in all learning processes. She says, “Persistence comes from needing to try something multiple times to get it right.” Many children and adults are quick to give up when they fail the first time.

When you train your brain to solve multiple problems in different ways, “the reward mechanism releases a lot of dopamine and adrenaline,” says Dr. Collins. This makes you feel good and motivates you to try again. Furthermore, music can have a profound impact on a person's entire life. Ed Le Brocq, a presenter for ABC Classic, states, “Playing an instrument helps children succeed in many other areas.” Moreover, learning music can also make children more aware of themselves, as it involves the regulation of both body and emotions.

“It’s really important for young people to have the ability to try new things and master them,” says Alice Gerlach, CEO of The Song Room. This Melbourne-based organization works with many schools across Australia, from metropolitan to remote areas, and they have seen significant benefits from the program. Ms. Gerlach says, “On Song Room activity days, school absenteeism drops by 65%.” The organization's research has found that after 12 months of music programs in schools, “students improved in all areas of their studies, including literacy and numeracy.”

Regarding choosing an instrument for a child, Dr. Collins has several suggestions: “Choose an instrument that the child likes and that fits your lifestyle.” Dr. Collins believes that learning an instrument itself is more important than which instrument is learned. Your child may choose based on the look, sound, or feel of an instrument, or they may choose singing. When a student finds the right instrument, Dr. Collins describes the experience as similar to falling in love. This love or connection to the instrument is very important, especially when their motivation to practice begins to wane.

Dr. Collins says that it is also important to consider an instrument that suits the family. She says, “The instrument will go straight from the classroom into your living room.” However, Le Brocq reminds parents to respect their child's choices. As a child, he always wanted to play the cello but was given a violin instead. “My mother didn’t trust me. I couldn’t stand the violin, but it did lead me to the viola,” says Le Brocq. Le Brocq eventually switched to the cello, but as a music teacher, he firmly believes that choosing an instrument that suits the child is more important than one that suits the parents.

Dr. Collins says that many schools have trial days where students have the opportunity to play various instruments. Le Brocq also reminds parents that the range of instrument choices is broad and not limited to those commonly found in Western bands and orchestras. Instruments like the Chinese erhu are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. For parents struggling with the cost of living, Ms. Gerlach says that it is always good to be aware of what instruments people already have in the community. She says, “Often when we go into schools, we find some instruments lying around and we get them going again.” Many music teachers can also turn everyday items into instruments. Ms. Gerlach says, “Bucket drumming is fantastic.”

Choosing the right music teacher is crucial to whether a child will continue on their musical journey. “A great music teacher is incredibly helpful,” says Dr. Collins. Many parents and students rely on music education at school. Dr. Collins believes this has several advantages. Regular music lessons can establish routines, and group learning can help maintain motivation. “Shared experiences connect us and make us human,” says Dr. Collins. Many parents and caregivers also seek private teachers to help their children master an instrument.

Le Brocq encourages people to always check if prospective teachers have a Working with Children Check and the appropriate qualifications. Many students also find Le Brocq through referrals, so asking your social network for help is a great place to start. Le Brocq describes the relationship between parents, students, and teachers as “a holy trinity.” “Each of us has our own role, especially at the beginning of the relationship,” says Le Brocq. Le Brocq relies on parents to help young students understand what to practice at home. However, as children get older, it is important to cultivate a different relationship where the teacher can challenge students to expand their musical boundaries while maintaining a safe space.

Dr. Collins says that it is worth trying to match the goals of parents and students with the personality of the teacher and the classes they offer. For example, a student who can stick to a daily practice and respond well to the instrument might benefit from a teacher who conducts annual exams and performances. Ms. Gerlach says that a key to working in remote communities is to match local talent with local needs. This maximizes the opportunity to build a community around the program. However, many organizations can also offer their classes over the internet. Ms. Gerlach says, “There are always great online tutorials for major instruments like guitar and keyboard.”

Music can be a tool for many young people to find or form a community where they can express themselves confidently. Ms. Gerlach elaborates on how music plays a role in young people and their communities. She says, “We work a lot with the Arabic community in Western Sydney. When they see their instruments in the classroom, they don’t feel isolated. They feel like they belong.” Some young boys, after learning instruments in class, have started playing with their uncles at weddings. Dr. Collins says that many music communities revolve around schools or a music teacher's studio.

But building a community is more than just playing music together. “You need to have people with shared interests come together and do something social around that interest,” says Dr. Collins. She compares it to a child’s soccer team where parents share the responsibilities of who will be the coach, bring snacks, and organize the end-of-season party. If you can't find an existing music community, Le Brocq has some advice to help you create one: “Put up notices at your local pub or cafe to see what instruments people play.” And don't forget that forming a choir is a reliable and effective option.

Le Brocq says that finding a community can reinforce the initial benefits of learning music. “Playing an instrument can connect you as a whole and allow you to thrive as a person.”