Pediatricians, neuroscientists, and psychologists all agree: early musical training helps children succeed in life. From improving their language and math skills to developing hand-eye coordination and social skills, there are a lot of reasons why you would enroll your child in music lessons. Though there are so many benefits to learning how to play an instrument, don’t let them blind you to the realities of your child playing one. It’s not always easy; it takes hard work and dedication on their part and a lot of encouragement and money on yours. Before you enroll your child in the first lesson available, you should consider how you can support them. Here are four questions you should ask before signing them up!
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What instruments should they play?
Choosing the right instrument is an important first step to your child’s musical education. Don’t live vicariously through your kid. Just because you always wanted to learn the violin doesn’t mean they want to pickup this string instrument. If you force them to take up an instrument they aren’t interested in, then you’re dooming their musical career. They won’t have any reason to pick up their instrument to practise.
Speak with them to find out what instrument they are enthusiastic about. When you find an instrument that lights a fire inside them, they’re more likely to stick with their lessons and practise on their own time.
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Does this instrument match your living situation?
Letting your child pick the piano over violin is a great way to instill a sense of agency over their newfound hobby. But you’re still the parent. You understand the limitations of your home and your budget in a way your child does not. The size, the volume, and the price of an instrument will influence whether or not it’s a great fit for the family.
Let’s say you live in an apartment building. Your child wants to start learning the drums. Your neighbors aren’t going to appreciate your kid banging away on the skins. When your child chooses something that doesn’t match your living situation, let them know why it doesn’t work. Be honest. Then try to find another instrument that works for everyone.
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Will you rent or buy an instrument?
Few instruments are cheap these days. Even off-brand budget models can be a lot of money. Renting an instrument is a good way to offset this cost at the start of their musical career. It can save you the frustration of buying an instrument outright, only to find out your kid doesn’t like it after a few months of lessons.
However, renting makes less sense when your child falls in love with their instrument. If it’s clear they’ll stick with their lessons for years to come, buying an instrument outright can be cheaper than renting it long-term. If your child does end up showing interest to play the violin, there are violins for sale that might interest you. It’s still an expensive addition to your budget — even more so if your child plays something like the drums. (Even a beginner’s kit can be costly)! So you’ll need to do some math to figure out if buying it will save you money in the long run.
If it does, and you’re still not sure if you can cover all the costs, consider making up the difference with a short term loan. They’re an easy way to fill the gaps in your budget when you want to make these large, one-time purchases.One of the benefits of using a short term loan is that you can apply for and repay them online. You won’t have to go out of your way to hand in application forms, to wait on USPS delivery schedules, or to meet with a lender directly. You can get the cash you need as long as you have access to the Internet and meet the qualifications. In some cases, you’ll receive an online loan in as little as one business day, so you can purchase your child’s instrument right away.
The bottom line: don’t rush into things!
When learning an instrument promises so many benefits, it’s easy to rush into things. You want the best for your child, after all. But music will always be there; there’s no time limit! Allow yourself to consider the realities of learning an instrument. When you consider questions about their instrument and lessons, you’ll be in a better position to support their musical career. So take the time to mull over these questions and talk to your kid about music lessons. Who knows? They may just grow up to be the next Lady Gaga!
