3 Ways To Help Your Child In Their Drums Lesson
Learning drums, or any new skill for that matter is not always fun and laughter. It often can be a roller coaster ride. Parents often send kids to music or art lessons in two situations; to expose the child to different arts in hopes of them generating interest in one to aid in their development, or the child has already expressed interest in that particular field. What parents don't realize very often is that that is not the end of their role. After enrolment, parents often can have a much more significant impact on the child's development than just sending them for music classes. The effects of helping them through this process would prove to show more results in their chosen field and their attitude in life.
In this article, we explore three ways parents can help the child in their learning process.
Content
Interest vs. Skills
In learning a new craft for kids, it often is a push and pull situation. On one hand, you have to allow the kids to work on their techniques, discipline, and focus; on the other hand, you need to maintain or even grow their interest in the instrument.
Our priority for kids' lessons is almost always on the interest. Learning drums (or any instrument) requires a high level of discipline and takes years of practice to reach a certain mastery level. Only through continued interest would the child follow through on their own to maintain that level of discipline. The idea is for them to understand and engage in a cycle of discipline and satisfaction (from the result). The lessons would be a success once the child can do that independently from the instructor. However, this often takes years of conditioning, depending on the children's growth.
Music Exposure
Learning drums is not all there is. A big part of maintaining interest in the child is to allow them to have continued interest in music. You can help them to have a significant boost by continually exposing them to music, not just children's music but, most notably, music that interests you as well. With the constant discussion and exposure of new music (regardless of genre), not only does it help with the bonding of you and your kid, but it also helps to keep them engaged in their lessons.
Please communicate with the instructors on the selection of music that they listen to, and the instructors will help guide them by playing their songs of choice, which will better help them engage in serious learning and help them in their discipline.
Blind Compliments
Complimenting your child is excellent when they show you a new beat or new song that they have learned in class. However, there is so much more to it that you can do to turn each compliment into a learning lesson that will potentially impact them for life.
Instead of throwing a simple 'good job' and bringing them out for a celebratory lunch/dinner, or buying them their favorite toy, use this opportunity to discuss with them on their process. Understand how much effort they took to achieve what they have so far, and reinforce the importance of discipline. You can even share with them life experiences that you overcame and let them know how discipline can impact them in drumming and in all areas of life.
Ask them questions about their process and the difficulties that they overcame. If a compliment is due, compliment them on their determination rather than their results. Guide them through exploring the process that they have taken.
Managing expectations
Managing expectations correctly is the most important way that you could aid your child in the lessons. Knowing what to expect and what not to expect will reduce much pressure and encourage growth between you, your child, and the instructors.
For the parents
A vital part for parents to understand is that each child has its learning curve. Sure, a talented and explosive drum solo from an eight-year-old is a fantastic feat to watch on social media, but understand that if that is your goal, then you are probably approaching it wrongly. Each goal you set with your child must come from them (genuinely), not you (imposing).
Understand that with learning any skills or art, it is not always a linear progression. It takes a lot of time and repetition to learn a beat or a fill (a lot more depending on difficulty), and to set the foundation right, it takes an even more extended amount of time. Trust is of absolute importance when you engage them in lessons. You need to trust the instructors to do their job right and not micromanage your child's progress. It often proves to be counterproductive and increases the pressure your child might face.
For the Child
It's all fun and laughter when your kid tells you that they want to learn the drums. Having no prior experience, the kids mostly do not understand what they are getting themselves into; this is where your role as a parent is of utmost importance.
Talk to them before they start lessons that they are here to have fun and learn at the same time. Check-in on them periodically and talk to them about the problems that they face. Explore each problem with them and how they can overcome it. Take each moment as a learning lesson for them, and remember not to be the overprotective parent that pulls them out at every single whim.
-> Click here to hear from the experience of a mother and son learning drums together.
Summary
Drums lessons are an excellent way for your child to develop discipline in all areas of their life. However, it is not always smooth sailing, and you need to be on the lookout for moments during the child's journey to help them understand what they are going through. There is a delicate line to tread on, forcing them to do something they do not want or to allow them to give up easily. It can, however, impart great lessons to the child if done right.
