Our children have so much to choose from – or do they? After a day packed with back-to-back classes in school, they are marched off to back-to-back tuition classes. Then there’s homework. Let’s not forget screen time and concurrent dinner. What choices are we really allowing our kids? That was one question we were forced to address during the recent pandemic. It was only then that we parents got down to assessing our children’s well-being – holistically.
One of the most sought-after “therapies” was (and still is) music. Thanks to streaming services and social media, free music was available on demand. What was even more notable was that our children were no longer satisfied as content [music] consumers – they wanted to create content. Fortunately, they had an ally in technology – apps! But, before they get to use them, some of them prefered to learn the art of creating Music – playing an instrument or using their vocal cords – professionally. And parents had a huge part to play in encouraging children to pursue their passion for music.
Allow me to share my experience as a parent. My daughter was exposed to music early in life. She grew up in a creche where the television streamed either cartoons or music videos for the kids’ entertainment. Her first love was painting – a hobby she still pursues sporadically.
But it was the pace with which she picked up music that surprised us. Fair to say that she inherited some music-friendly genes from her mother’s side, but both church and school contributed to nurturing that talent. Very soon she was learning the guitar and keyboard at a music school in the neighbourhood. She even earned a few grade certificates from Trinity College London, performed with her music school’s band, recorded home videos/ audios for social media channels, etc. Later she picked up the Ukulele too – thanks to YouTube (!!) Oh, she does have a fledgling SoundCloud channel too 🤗
So, what got me musing on these today?
As part of my current assignment, my mates and I set up a brand-new Music Academy in Hyderabad – the Indian Academy of Music (IAM)! IAM has a unique set of curricula designed for students 4 years and upwards. We even boast of one of the biggest and fully equipped jamming rooms in town – soundproof, and big enough to double up as an auditorium.
We receive a steady flow of eager parents wanting their children to start learning to play a musical instrument and/ or be trained in Hindustani or Carnatic vocals. Business aside, as a parent, I try to present an unbiased opinion and I encourage parents to introduce their kids to music at an early stage – scientists say even while the child is in the womb. The benefits – from experience – are many. Focus, concentration, determination, memory power, motor skills, coordination, team spirit, interpersonal skills, stage presence, poise, confidence, a sense of achievement and accomplishment, and so much more.
- Music is therapeutic – but don’t force your child into learning music (or anything else, for that matter). That might have the opposite effect.
- The child will never be too old to start learning music
- Consult the child before choosing a musical instrument/ lesson for her
- Not every child is musically gifted. Learn, or seek advice, to spot and nurture talent.
- Always have a Plan B as backup.
- Don’t guilt trip the child if s/he doesn’t live up to your musical dreams. As parents, our role is as mentors and guides. Help the child decide – but not by taking away every other choice there is.
Sometimes it takes a bit of luck, and a music school opens closer home; sometimes it is a genetic lottery, and one is born with vocal cords worth taking out an insurance policy immediately, and at other times it takes the foresight and persistence of parents. My wife and I consider ourselves lucky that circumstances conspired in our favour and our daughter found the right tutors to guide her and nurture her passion.
We wish you the same, or even better!
