Learning a musical instrument with your children can be great fun, giving you an opportunity to try something new and laugh at your mistakes together. This can be a really good learning experience for kids, showing them the importance of practice and perseverance, and it can teach valuable skills that will last a lifetime. Kids often find it easier to learn than adults, so they may also teach you a thing or two!
If you have children who are interested in learning music with you, you’ll know that they can be easily put off by the wrong approach. All kids are different, and some prefer a more formal lesson based approach while others prefer to learn via video content found on YouTube or other online platforms, putting them in control of the process.
It can be helpful to talk with your children about the approach they prefer and to try out different things to see what works best for them. Role modelling a love of music may be my best tip, so playing music around them will help to nurture a positive connection and may inspire them to get involved. Talk about the music you love and take them to see live music whenever you can as this is such a fantastic experience. Exploring different types of music can be fun, expanding their musical horizons - and yours in the process!
Creating an environment in which there is always an instrument within easy reach will normalise playing an instrument for your little ones and they will see it as a part of daily life rather than a complicated addition to it. Pick up child sized instruments wherever you can, and look out for preloved bargains as they will often not get much use before a child requires the next size up.
Starting with an easier instrument can be helpful for small children, and the ukulele is a popular choice. However, this is another situation where it helps to take the lead from your child, and if they are drawn to a particular instrument, this will almost certainly be the best place to start. If a child is motivated to learn something they feel passionate about, they are much more likely to enjoy the process and see good results.
Most of all, have fun with it - learning music together can create great memories and bring you closer together as long as everyone is enjoying the process!
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