By Dr. Antonella Di Giulio, Founder of Musica IQ and Woom Talent Center
Recently, a parent expressed a desire to discontinue music lessons for their children, and it led me to reflect on the complexities and challenges of musical education. To be clear, this is not about disappointment, but rather an opportunity to discuss the nuanced role of teachers, students, and parents in the pursuit of musical excellence.
Why Children Quit
It’s understandable for a child to want to quit—after all, learning an instrument requires effort, discipline, and sometimes the journey can be frustrating. But when a child’s inclination to quit triggers the parent’s decision to stop lessons altogether, it can signify that something might be missing in the educational equation. This is not solely about the child or the teacher but involves a synergy between the student, parents, and the educational environment.
The Role of Discipline
As a music teacher, it’s my job to instill discipline in my students. The word “discipline” often has negative connotations, but in this context, it means guiding the children to appreciate the value of consistent practice. Music, like any other skill, requires daily or frequent practice for one to improve. If students—or their parents—feel that the commitment is too much, quitting may seem like the easier path. But it’s important to remember that any worthwhile endeavor requires dedication and hard work.
The Vital Role of Parents
Parental support is often underestimated in a child’s musical journey. I’ve rarely seen a child practice consistently without encouragement or structure from their parents. The role of a parent can range from gentle reminders to setting clear guidelines, such as practice time before playtime. The point is, parental involvement is key to the child’s ongoing interest and improvement in their musical education.
Striking the Right Balance
There is a fine line between challenging a student and overwhelming them. Lessons should neither be too easy nor too hard. Simple lessons might keep the child playing but likely won’t lead to significant growth. On the flip side, excessively difficult assignments might discourage them. It’s crucial to find the right balance to keep students engaged while also pushing them to improve.
A Story of Progress
I want to note that despite the fluctuations in practice commitment, many students show remarkable progress. Children who were flourishing at the beginning of the year and then faced a decline in practice time often still do quite well. I would encourage parents to sit and listen to their children play—it might be more impressive than they realize.
Quitting is often a symptom of underlying issues—be it a lack of discipline, insufficient parental support, or perhaps an imbalance in the level of challenge in the lessons. As a teacher, my role is not just to impart musical skills, but also to work in tandem with parents and students to create a holistic, encouraging, and productive learning environment. Befodecidingion to quit, consider the complex set of elements involved in musical education, and whether you’ve given it—and your child—the opportunity to truly harmonize.
To discuss this further, I invite parents and students alike to reach out to your instructors and continue this essential dialogue about the role of practice and parental support in the musical education journey.