7 Ways to Inspire Your Middle School Musician
While we often hear about the benefits of learning to play music at a young age, the middle school years are equally important in the lives of developing musicians. Middle school is often the time when young musicians find that they need to put in extra work and effort outside of class. However, not all middle schoolers are intrinsically motivated to do so. This is where parents can step in to guide and encourage children in their practice routines.
As an instructor, please know that I realize children may not have hours each week to practice. However, they may have 10-15 minutes three or four times a week, and those minutes matter!
As a mother, I also know that middle school is a time when kids may share that they want to “throw in the towel” and quit playing their instrument. Do not lose heart! I encourage you to find fun ways to inspire your child through this unique season of life. In over 30 years of teaching, I have found that there are numerous ways to encourage your child to keep playing. Students who stick with music through middle school often blossom and find personal motivation that will keep them playing and serve them well into their high school years and beyond.
If you’re in need of a few creative ideas to keep your child engaged in making music, check out my list of suggestions below.
Dinner Music
Have your child play for you while you are making dinner.Zoom/FaceTime Concerts
Call a relative or family friend and play a short concert for them.Offer Incentives
In our home, after a good 5-7 days of practice, we celebrate with ice cream!Family Concert Night
Create homemade tickets, get dressed up, and let your musicians perform the songs, scales, or exercises they’ve been working on for your family each week.Name That Tune
A game everyone knows, name that tune is a great way to get your child to practice a variety of different songs.Record a Rehearsal
Have your child practice both AV and music skills by recording his or her music for you to watch later.Musical Rooms
Challenge your child to play a piece in each room of your home.
About the Author
Mrs. Louisa Biteler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 music education from Luther College and is a Suzuki-trained violin instructor. She currently serves at Sioux Falls Lutheran School as the Suzuki Violin Instructor and Orchestra Director. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Biteler has been playing with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and teaching private violin lessons since 1995.
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, our mission is to develop capable, Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, we are committed to partnering with parents and the church to raise lifelong learners who use their gifts and the fruits of the Spirit, in faith, to touch a troubled world with God’s grace. To learn more about our music programs, visit www.siouxfallslutheran.com/music.