by Nita Frazier

Created on: September 25, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2010

The most important way to get your child interested in playing an instrument is to surround him with music. Leave the radio on while you work around the house. Pick up your child and dance with him. Let him feel the tempo of music, the swing and sway. Sing to him and with him. Make up silly songs as you play, the sillier, the better. Teach him that laughter, too, is music.

Pull out the wooden spoons and pans or the hammer and a thick piece of wood,. Let him create his own music.
If you play an instrument, let him be your audience and encourage him to dance and twirl in tempo.Out of tempo is fine, too.

If other relatives or friends play an instrument, make sure your child hears them play.
If music is as essential as oxygen in your home, he will want to create his own.

By all means let him "play" your guitar or piano. Encourage him to experiment with the different sounds the instruments makes.

Share your favorite artists with him. Stress their musical abilities, the statements their music makes, rather than the money they earn. The music should always be more important than money, particularly if your child is enamored of the celebrity lifestyle.
Point out that not everyone makes it to the top. Your message should be that the journey, the music, is what counts, rather than the destination that music takes one to.

If he begins to show a preference for a particular instrument, follow his lead. Teach him what you can then hand him off to a qualified teacher.

If he is playing the drums, but you prefer the piano, smile politely and ask him to explain why drums interest him.
While he practices you can invest in a drum appreciation course.

During his "Getting to know you" phase with his chosen instrument, don't limit his practice time. Nor should you enforce strict practice periods. He needs freedom to explore at this time.

If he has true talent, he will regulate his own practice hours.

On the other hand, if he abandons the instrument, yet shows clear interest in playing, help him choose another instrument.

If he does nothing more than learn a few songs, you will have helped him lay a foundation for true music appreciation.
If he gives up music entirely he will still have gain valuable patience and eye-hand coordination.

The two of you will also have bonded and, perhaps, fought over music. Both the bonding and the fighting are necessary in any family relationship.

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