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A Beginner's Guide to Orchestra Class: What Parents Need to Know

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:53:23 GMT

A Beginner's Guide to Orchestra Class: What Parents Need to Know

Has your child signed up for orchestra class at their school? Orchestra is an exciting opportunity for kids to learn a new instrument and practice collaborating with others, all while training their brains! However, if you’ve never played an orchestra instrument yourself, it may be a little overwhelming for you as a parent.

You probably have dozens of questions. Do you need to buy an instrument for your child? What is rosin? How should they practice? Do they need private lessons? Thankfully, the experts at Crowne Music are here to help. We have compiled a complete guide to orchestra for parents and beginning students alike.

What is Orchestra Class?

In most schools, orchestra class is a string instrument ensemble. While professional orchestras often include other musical families, like woodwinds, brass, and percussion, schools usually separate those instruments into a different class: band. So, grade school orchestra class focuses on learning to play bowed string instruments.

Specific course requirements vary from school to school, but orchestra class typically has five main learning goals:

The basics of playing a string instrument
Level-appropriate music theory, like reading music and counting rhythms
Ensemble coordination
Musical interpretation
Exposure to a variety of musical genres

Orchestra class consists primarily of full-group instruction, although the teacher may occasionally break up the class into sectionals (small groups of students who play the same instrument). Orchestra teachers may offer a bit of individualized guidance, but with so many students, the opportunities for one-on-one instruction are extremely limited. Orchestra classes culminate in public concerts that allow the students to showcase all their hard work (usually twice a year).

An Overview of Orchestra Instruments

Orchestra instruments come from the string instrument family, which includes violins as well as guitars and pianos. However, in a typical orchestra class, your child will only play a string instrument that uses a bow, such as a:

Violin. The violin is one of the most famous orchestra instruments, so it’s very attractive for beginning students. The violin is the smallest and highest pitched string instrument, and it is held under the chin while playing.
Viola. The viola is the violin’s lower cousin. It is played the same way, but violas are slightly larger than the violin, and its range is roughly a fifth below a violin’s.
Cello. The cello is known for its rich sound quality. Twice the size of a violin, cello players lean the instrument against their body to play.
Double bass. The double bass is the lowest bowed string instrument. Because it is so large, double bass players often stand to perform.

No matter what string instrument your orchestra student chooses, they will also need some accessories:

A bow (most students start with a fiberglass horsehair bow, and as they advance, it may be worth investing in a wooden bow)
Rosin, sticky tree resin that adds friction to the bow for easier, more expressive playing
Practicing aids, including a music stand, music books, a tuner, and a metronome

It’s important that you invest in a well-made instrument and accessories, even if your student is a beginner. A high-quality instrument is essential to making sure your child gets the best sound—and the most enjoyment out of playing! But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Some school orchestra classes actually provide students with instruments, and many music stores offer affordable rent-to-own programs.

Practicing String Instruments

For your child to succeed, they will need to practice their instrument. Learning an instrument is difficult, and consistent practice will make it easier for your student to see meaningful improvement.

Orchestra students typically practice in 3 main venues:

Orchestra Class

Orchestra classes focus on teaching music theory, emotional interpretation, and ensemble playing. Classroom practice helps your child learn how to work well with others and follow directions, and it also encourages them to explore a variety of musical concepts and genres. However, students rarely get individual attention, so extra practice time outside of the classroom is necessary to fully develop your child’s skills.

At-Home Practicing

If your student only plays during orchestra class, it will take them a long time to get better at their instruments. At-home practice is so important that many orchestra teachers make it a requirement. Think of it as homework! When your student practices on their own, they can hone their technical skills, but they also learn valuable traits like self-discipline, time management, and how to develop a growth mindset. As a parent, you should encourage your child to develop a consistent practice schedule; even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference!

Private Lessons

The best way to improve as an orchestra student is to take private lessons. Orchestra teachers rarely have the time to offer individual instruction, and if your child feels lost practicing on their own, a private music teacher can offer some much-needed guidance. Investing in one-on-one instruction means that your child will advance more quickly in their instrument of choice, and they will be set up for long-term success.

A music teacher can provide personalized advice and expert support, as well as extra performance opportunities. If you think your child may want to pursue a career in music, private lessons are essential, but they are extremely worthwhile for all students, regardless of their goals. Music lessons have a variety of scientifically proven benefits , including improved cognitive capabilities, higher self-esteem, better mental health, and stronger relationship-building skills. Simply put, if you want your child to get the most out of their orchestra instrument, you should sign up for private lessons.

Violin, Viola, and Cello Lessons at Crowne Music

Crowne Music is your number one choice for orchestra lessons in York, PA. As York County’s premier music studio, we are proud to offer private, one-on-one violin lessons, viola lessons, and cello lessons with our expert faculty.

At Crowne Music, we take a personalized approach, tailoring each lesson to your student’s unique needs. No matter where your orchestra student is in their development, we will help them achieve their goals!

In addition to individual instructions, our violin, viola, and cello students also get to expand their performance opportunities through our Keystone Opera initiative. As a summer orchestra intern , Crowne Music students get the unique chance to play for a fully staged opera production featuring emerging professional singers.

How to Prepare for Your First Music Lesson

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 13:45:22 GMT

How to Prepare for Your First Music Lesson

How to Prepare for Your First Music Lesson

Congratulations on starting music lessons! Studying music is a deeply rewarding experience that will stretch your creativity, teach you important life skills, and supercharge your brain. But if you’re new to music lessons, your first lesson can be a little intimidating. Never fear! We have a comprehensive guide for how to prepare for your first music lesson.

What To Do Before Your First Music Lesson

Preparing for your first music lesson shouldn’t be stressful, but there are a few simple steps you can take to help you have a great time—and set you up for long-term music success! Try these tips:

Choose the Right Music Teacher

Make sure you find a knowledgeable, supportive music teacher who can guide you through the learning process. Start your search by looking for an instructor with both professional teaching and performance experience; however, you should remember that prestigious credentials don’t necessarily mean that a teacher is the right fit for you. Every music teacher has a different teaching style and personality, so it’s important to find a teacher who fits your learning preferences. Above all, you want to feel comfortable enough around your instructor to make mistakes. That’s how you learn!

Consider the Lesson Location

Do you want to take lessons at your music teacher’s studio, have them travel to you, or try virtual music lessons? There are pros and cons to each lesson type. For example, virtual music lessons allow you to study with teachers from all over the world, without a commute time, so they’re much easier to fit into a busy schedule. However, when you travel to a music teacher’s studio, you can get access to extra resources, as well as building community with other students. Each of these lesson locations are the right choice for certain people, so think carefully about which works for you.

Get Your Instrument

This step may seem like a no-brainer, but you’re going to need an instrument to practice on. Some teachers may have an instrument for you to use during lessons (especially for larger instruments, like piano or drums), but you will still need to buy an instrument to use outside of the studio.

If you’re taking voice lessons, good news! You don’t need to buy an instrument, because your voice is already inside you. For everyone else, you will want to invest in a well-made instrument, as well as any necessary accessories, like reeds for clarinet or rosin for violin. Avoid suspiciously cheap instruments advertised for beginning students. With instruments, you get what you pay for, and because these “beginner instruments” are made so poorly, they are often harder to play. If you get a low-quality instrument, it will make it more difficult for you to see results, and it could even make you so frustrated that you quit.

However, getting a quality instrument doesn’t have to break the bank. Talk to your local music store about cost-effective options. You can often get deals on secondhand instruments that are in great condition, and you can also explore rental and rent-to-own options. If you already have an instrument, have a professional evaluate it and make any necessary repairs before you start lessons.

Check Your Schedule

Music lessons require a significant time commitment. To see improvement, you need to have music lessons regularly (we recommend once per week), and you also need to dedicate time outside of your lessons to practicing. Scheduling your lessons and practice sessions ahead of time makes it easier to build strong musical habits, which will help you get better, faster!

Think About Your Goals

Why do you want to take music lessons? Are you preparing for a specific performance or audition, are you interested in learning a new instrument, or are you just looking to have fun? There’s no wrong reason for taking music lessons, but setting clear goals will make it easier for you to track your progress. Tell your music teacher what you’re hoping to get out of music lessons so they can tailor their curriculum to your needs.

Pick a Song To Work On

Depending on the length of your lesson slot, your skill level, and your instructor’s teaching style, you may or may not play through repertoire during your first lesson. However, it’s great to pick a song you want to work on. Your song selection gives your teacher an idea of your musical interests, and playing through a few phrases helps your teacher gauge your skill level. If you do bring a song to your first lesson, make sure you have sheet music!

Be Open Minded

If you’ve never taken a music lesson before, it can be a little intimidating, but there’s no reason to be nervous! Enter with a positive attitude and be willing to try the exercises and techniques your teacher shares with you. Getting better at music often means stepping out of your comfort zone, so stay open-minded and don’t be afraid to try something new. If there’s ever something that doesn’t work for you, tell your teacher, and they’ll help you find something that does!

Reach Out With Questions

If you have any questions before your music lesson, feel free to ask! Your music teacher will be able to share specific information about how their studio works and offer other recommendations for how to prepare for your first lesson.

What to Expect During Your First Music Lesson

The day is finally here—but what should you expect during your first music lesson? Every teacher works differently, but most music lessons follow the same format:

A check-in conversation. Teachers will start music lessons with a quick check-in to see how practicing is going and whether you have any questions. During your first lesson, your teacher will probably ask you about your musical background and goals so they can personalize their approach to your needs.
Getting to know your instrument. If you’re a beginner, your teacher will want to spend a little time talking about your instrument, how it works, and the basics of making sound. For singers, this could look like breathing exercises and discussions about how the vocal cords make sound. For guitar players, your teacher may teach you how to hold the guitar and explain finger placements for basic chords.
Technical exercises. Technical exercises, also known as warm-ups, are key to practicing any instrument! They wake up your body and your mind, and they also help you learn larger concepts, like dynamics, rhythm, articulation, and muscular coordination. There are infinite exercise possibilities, but most are based on the building blocks of music, like scales and arpeggios. Many music teachers also incorporate a little bit of music theory into warm-ups so that you can build skills like reading music and understanding chord progressions.
Repertoire. Your first music lessons may focus entirely on getting to know your instrument and technical exercises—especially if you are a beginner! However, as your skills advance, your teacher will work with you on songs to help you apply technical concepts, develop your musicality, and practice performance skills. Sometimes you’ll be able to choose the repertoire, and sometimes your teacher will assign you pieces that align with your musical goals.
Practice suggestions. At the end of the lesson, your teacher will give you some guidance on how to practice in between lessons. They may assign you specific exercises or just remind you of a few key takeaways. If you have any questions about what happened in the lesson or what you should work on before you see your teacher next, now is the time to ask them!

How to Get the Most Out of Your First Music Lesson

Now that you know what to expect from your teacher, what is expected of you? If you’re positive and respectful, that’s enough! However, you can try these helpful tips to get the most out of your first music lesson:

Be on time. Make sure you’re on time (or even early)! When you book a lesson, you reserve a specific time slot, and there will often be another student scheduled after you. That means that if you come 10 minutes late for a 30-minute lesson, you will only get 20 minutes of instruction time. Not to mention, rushing in late will make it harder for you to focus on learning.
Ask questions. Your music teacher is here to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! Learning music involves engaging with difficult concepts and subjective imagery, so you can always ask for clarification. And if you find something particularly interesting and want to learn more, go ahead and ask for more info!
Develop a growth mindset. Playing music is complicated, and it takes time and dedication to hone your skills. Don’t expect to walk out of your first lesson playing perfectly. Instead, embrace mistakes. Every slip-up gets you one step closer to achieving your goals.
Have fun. It may seem obvious, but when you’re working hard to improve, you can lose sight of the most important thing: music is fun. Music lessons can help you relieve stress , express your emotions, and connect with your community. So, don’t put pressure on yourself. Just enjoy the process!

With these tips, you’ll be more than ready for your first lesson. However, this is just the beginning of your musical journey! With more lessons and consistent practicing, you can set yourself up for long-term success.

Crowne Music: The Best Music Lessons in York, PA

At Crowne Music , we are dedicated to your musical progress from your very first lesson! We are York County’s premier music studio, with multiple convenient locations that are fully staffed with supportive, professional teachers.

Crowne Music is proud to offer a variety of fun, engaging options for adults, teens, and kids , including:

Voice lessons
Piano lessons
Violin lessons
Flute lessons
Clarinet lessons
Trumpet lessons
Guitar lessons
Drum lessons

Our personalized approach ensures that you have a great first music lesson, and our teachers will help you achieve your goals and see continued growth for years to come!

Plus, when you take lessons with us, your talent doesn’t stay hidden in the music studio. We offer a wide variety of performance opportunities, including studio classes, master classes, and our signature Keystone Opera initiative. At Crowne Music, you can really shine!

How Music Lessons Get You Through Challenging Times

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 01:05:26 GMT

Why Music Lessons Are Important—Especially During Difficult Times

Music is one of the most powerful art forms out there. If you have ever played a specific song to

help you get ready in the morning, focus on your work, or pump you up at the gym, then you

already know that music can boost your mood in a matter of minutes.

Music touches us on a deep, emotional level, and many of us instinctively turn to music to help

us get through difficult times. While listening to music is extremely enjoyable, you can reap

even more benefits from making music yourself. Whether you are going through a difficult

period of your personal life, weathering a financial downturn, or navigating the stress of the 24-

hour news cycle, music lessons can be an invaluable creative outlet.

The Benefits of Music Lessons During Difficult Times

Music lessons are always beneficial, but during difficult times, they can be vital

lifelines—helping you stay grounded and optimistic while giving you the motivation to make

things better, both for yourself and your community.

It may be tempting to view music lessons as a luxury, but their numerous benefits show that

they are a worthy investment, even when you are low on time, money, and/or energy.

Hone Transferable Skills

Music lessons aren’t just about learning how to use your instrument, read sheet music, or

understand music theory. They also teach valuable skills that can enhance your life outside of

the music studio.

Music lessons build transferable skills like:

 Critical thinking

 Communication

 Time management

 Concentration

 Problem-solving

 Confidence

 Self-discipline

 Perseverance

 Attention to detail

Above all, music lessons help you develop a growth mindset. That means that you don’t let

setbacks or mistakes get you down. Instead, you know that failure is part of the learning

process, and you roll with the punches. Especially when you are struggling in other areas of

your life, music lessons can teach you how to persevere through adversity and achieve your

goals.

Boost Your Self-Esteem

Learning something new always provides a sense of accomplishment, so when you are feeling

down about yourself, turn to music lessons to boost your self-esteem. Nothing feels better than

finally mastering a tricky technical concept or a difficult passage! When you work hard to

overcome a musical challenge, it supercharges your confidence—giving you the motivation and

courage you need to tackle other problems in your life.

Express Yourself Creatively

For as long as humans have existed, we have looked for creative outlets. From prehistoric cave

paintings to the Mona Lisa to TikTok, we have always needed a way to express our imagination.

Engaging in a creative activity, like music lessons, can help you work through difficult emotions,

escape from outside pressures, and express your feelings in a meaningful way. Whether you are

playing through your favorite song to cope with grief or sharing a piece with a friend, music is

the perfect creative outlet.

Train Your Brain

Your brain needs exercise to stay in shape, and music lessons are like a brain gym! Playing

music involves a lot of high-level brain activity, like reading notes on a page and translating

them into action, and as you work to memorize pieces, your brain works even harder. A 2014

neurological study demonstrated that musicians’ brains respond to stimuli quicker than those

of non-musicians, which results in improved mental faculties and motor skills.

Music lessons are a healthy brain habit for everyone, from children to adults to seniors! A 2011

study found that playing music can help prevent and manage Alzheimer’s disease and other

age-related forms of cognitive decline.

When you take regular music lessons, you keep your brain active and healthy. However, just

like you won’t be able to lift as much weight after a long break from the gym, the cognitive

benefits you see from playing music will decrease without continued practice. That means that

consistent music lessons are a critical to your long-term brain health.

Improve Your Mental Health

Music lessons don’t just strengthen your brain; they also improve your mental health. Playing

music has been clinically proven to lower cortisol levels, resulting in less stress and anxiety, as

well as mitigate depression. In fact, music has been shown to be more effective at reducing

stress than other artistic pursuits, like calligraphy and ceramics. That means that if you are

struggling with stress—or if you just want to build some strong mental health habits—music

lessons are one of the best ways to improve your outlook!

Build Community

During tough times, your friends, family, and neighbors become an even more important

source of support, and playing music can help you expand and strengthen your community.

When you take music lessons, you build connections with your music teacher, their students,

and other local musicians. You can meet new people through your music studio’s performance

opportunities, and you can also jam with your friends or join a local orchestra. Music brings

people together!

Have Fun

Finally, music lessons are fun! Especially when you are in a difficult period of your life, anything

that brings you joy is worth investing in. The fun you have making music isn’t frivolous; it’s a

critical survival tool that helps you stay positive and motivated enough to overcome challenges.

Plus, there is no better medicine than a good laugh!

Nurture Your Inner Artist with Crowne Music

At Crowne Music, we fully understand the power of music, and we want to share it with as

many people as possible! We are proud to offer high quality music lessons in a wide variety of

instruments, including voice, piano, string instruments, woodwinds, brass, and drums. Our

expert staff works flexible hours across multiple York County locations to accommodate even

the busiest schedules. From engaging group classes for kids to personalized music lessons for

adults to our world-class opera training program for emerging professionals, Crowne Music has

something for everyone!

Crowne Music is committed to offering the best music lessons in York, PA, inspired by our love

for our local community. We pride ourselves on cultivating a safe, supportive learning

environment, and our personalized approach to teaching ensures that every student’s needs

are met.

How Much Should Music Lessons Cost?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:17:55 GMT

How Much Should Music Lessons Cost?

Music lessons are a great way to express yourself, raise your confidence levels, and expand your skill set—but what should they cost? The cost of music lessons can vary widely, and for beginning music students, it can be difficult to understand what makes a fair price.

Thankfully, the experts at Crowne Music are here to help. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to music lesson pricing so that you can understand all the elements that contribute to the cost of a music lesson and, most importantly, identify music teachers who provide a good value.

The Factors That Affect Music Lesson Prices

Music lesson prices involves a myriad of different factors. In general, music lessons cost between $100-$200 per month for half hour lessons and $200-$500 per month for hour long lessons. However, these price ranges are quite broad, so it’s important to understand what actually goes into music lesson pricing.

1. The Teacher’s Experience

The teacher’s experience will be one of the biggest factors influencing the cost of music lessons. It takes a lot of hard work to become a music teacher, and that extensive training will be reflected in the music lesson price. Almost all professional music teachers have a bachelor’s degree in music (usually a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Science in Music Education), and many will also have post-graduate degrees, such as a Master of Music, Artist Diploma, and/or Doctor of Musical Arts. Just like you pay more to visit a medical doctor with a PhD than a nurse practitioner, you will pay more for a music teacher with advanced degrees.

In addition to formal education, a music teacher should also have hands-on performance experience. If a music teacher has had a successful performance career, they will usually charge more for voice lessons—especially if they are affiliated with prestigious ensembles, organizations, or institutions. And this extra price is well worth it! Experienced performers understand what it takes to make music at the highest level, and they can also connect you with other music professionals in their network. This kind of professional experience is essential if you intend to pursue a career of music, but it is still extremely valuable for dedicated amateurs.

2. Lesson Location

Every area has a different cost of living, and music lesson prices will also be affected by your location. Music lessons will typically cost more in metropolitan areas than in rural communities, and the music teachers near you will often charge similar rates that match the local cost of living. However, if you notice that a teacher charges more than is normal in your area, it is not an immediate red flag. Look at their credentials and offerings to see if there is a reason for that higher price.

3. Format & Frequency

Your lesson format and frequency will also affect how much a music lesson cost. Many teachers charge monthly tuition rates, so the more often you have music lessons, the higher your final cost will be. However, monthly tuition also comes with discounts and other perks. Music teachers often charge extra for pay-by-week lessons or drop-in scheduling, so paying your monthly tuition upfront gives you a deal.

Your lesson format may also affect pricing. For example, group lessons often cost less than private lessons since the student receives less individualized attention. If you are new to music and unsure whether you will like it, group lessons can be a cost-effective way to give music a try, and you can move to private lessons when you are ready for more advanced, personalized study.

4. Administrative Costs

A music teacher’s job isn’t confined to the lesson; there are a variety of administrative tasks and overhead costs that they have to take into consideration when figuring out their lesson prices. Music teachers spend time and money on customer service, scheduling, and other expenses like lesson space, software, and sheet music. If your music teacher offers extra events outside of lessons, such as studio classes, recitals, workshops, or master classes, those will also come with additional costs like space rentals, accompanists, and clinician fees.

How to Get a Strong Return on Investment for Music Lessons

Now that you understand the factors that go into music lesson pricing, it’s time to explore what makes a music teacher a good value.

Especially if you are a beginner, it may be tempting to just go with the cheapest teacher available; however, this strategy can be less cost-effective in the long run! If your teacher is not knowledgeable or supportive, you will essentially be throwing away your money and getting nothing in return. Often, a slightly more expensive teacher will provide you with a better return on investment.

Consider these factors when you are evaluating a music teacher’s value:

Quality of instruction. The best music teachers offer high-quality instruction, based on proven pedagogical and technical methods, that is personalized to the student’s needs and goals.
Skill improvement. The point of music lessons is to enhance your skills. Are you seeing improvement from studying with your music teacher? Do you feel like their advice has made you a stronger musician? While a teacher plays a big role in improving your skills, it is important to remember that music lessons are a two-way street. In order for a student to see tangible improvement and meet their goals, they also have to practice regularly in between lessons.
Supportive culture. Music lessons involve a lot of trial and error, and you have to feel relaxed enough around your teacher to explore your artistry. Do you feel comfortable asking your music teacher questions? Are you able to reach out to them outside of lessons for assistance? Do you feel safe making mistakes? Do you feel like your music teacher is invested in your progress? The right music teacher will make you feel supported every step of the way.
Performance opportunities. Performing is a big part of music education. Performances allow you to share your hard work with an audience, while also improving your confidence, stage presence, and calm under pressure. If you don’t regularly perform anywhere, teachers who offer performance opportunities like studio classes, recitals, and master classes in addition to lessons can be a great investment.
Industry connections. If you are planning to pursue a career in music, a teacher with a strong network can help connect you with other industry professionals. These connections can give you a leg up when applying to college, auditioning for ensembles, and getting gigs.
Enjoyment. Music lessons are not just about your personal development; they are also about having a good time! Do you like going to your lessons? Do you look forward to practicing? The right teacher will make lessons fun and engaging !

Music lessons are an investment, and you should carefully evaluate each music teacher’s value proposition to ensure that you get the best experience.

Get the Best Value with Crowne Music

Whether you are a beginner, advanced student, or emerging professional, Crowne Music can provide you with the best music lessons in York, PA. Our comprehensive approach ensures that you get the high-quality instruction you need, no matter your level.

Crowne Music offers multiple convenient locations throughout York County, each staffed with expert music teachers. Our faculty members are all established professionals in their respective fields—from voice and piano to orchestra and band instruments—and they have extensive performance experience and advanced educational training.

Outside of lessons, we offer a wide variety of performance opportunities that allow our students to shine, including studio classes, recitals, workshops, and master classes. Crowne Music students can also take advantage of our world-class opera training program, Keystone Opera , where they can participant as singers and orchestra members.

At Crowne Music, every music lesson is personalized to your needs. That means that you will get the customized instruction you need to meet—and even exceed—your goals. Contact us today to unlock your musical potential!

How to Keep Kids Engaged with Music Lessons

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:23:11 GMT

How to Keep Kids Engaged with Music Lessons

Has this ever happened to you: you sign your child up for music lessons, they seem super excited, but then they don’t touch their instrument for weeks? Music lessons for kids are an important way to develop both academic prowess and emotional intelligence, but for kids to really see the benefits, they have to stick with it!

Keeping kids engaged with music lessons is a challenge, but with a few simple tips and tricks from the expert teachers at Crowne Music, you can help your child reap the full benefits of a musical education.

The Benefits of Music Lessons for Kids

Kids can get a lot out of music lessons. Thanks to the complex cognitive processes involved in playing music, children who pursue music lessons are typically one year ahead of their peers academically. They also gain valuable extracurricular experience for their college resumes, and a study by the University of Georgia even found that children who take music lessons generally engage in healthier behaviors, like self-imposed screen time limits.

While music lessons for kids are essential if you suspect your child may want to pursue a career in the arts, music can also give your child a leg up in any field! Music lessons teach children transferable skills that will be critical in college, the workplace, and their daily lives, like:

Communication
Collaboration
Time management
Problem-solving
Confidence
Self-discipline
Goal-setting
Empathy

Simply put, music lessons play a critical role in any child’s education. But how can you keep your kids interested in music lessons?

The Top 8 Tips for Keeping Kids Interested in Music Lessons

Keeping kids interested in music lessons requires some creative problem-solving and strategic thinking, but it is very possible. Here are our top tips for keeping kids engaged with music:

1. Try different instruments.

If your child is losing interest in their music lessons, try switching to a different instrument. Every child is different, and so is every instrument; it may take a bit of trial-and-error to find the best fit. Plus, the novelty of trying a different instrument may be enough to re-engage a disinterested student. When your child seems bored with one instrument, switch to a different instrument family; there are plenty to choose from—voice, keyboards, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion—so you are bound to find one that resonates with your child.

2. Let your child play the songs they love.

Kids are more engaged when they can play the songs they love. During music lessons, children will often have to work on music that is less interesting but important for learning skills like technique, music theory, and interpretation; it’s the musical equivalent of eating your vegetables. However, you should balance out these more technical pieces with fun songs.

Ask your child what songs they want to play or what artists they are most interested in. Then, you can coordinate with your student’s teacher to find engaging yet skill-appropriate pieces that they can play. When your child is working on a song that they want to play, they will actually be excited to practice!

3. Expose your kids to a wide variety of music.

The more music your kids hear, the more likely they will find something that inspires them. Play different genres of music at home, take your kids to concerts, and try making music with them yourself. Sharing your favorite artists, experiencing concerts together, and jamming out won’t just encourage your kid’s interest in music; it will also deepen your bond with them.

4. Establish a practice routine.

Practicing is one of the most important but most difficult parts of taking music lessons. Kids won’t be able to improve without practicing, but practice takes a level of self-discipline that can be difficult, especially for younger children.

As a parent, you can help your kids build a practice routine that works for them:

Schedule practice sessions. Find 2-4 practice times per week that fit into your child’s schedule and make practicing part of their normal routine. Make sure that you don’t overload them, especially if your child is busy with other extracurricular commitments. Start small and realistic. Once practicing becomes a habit, it will be easy to keep up.
Dedicate a practice space. Having a dedicated practice space will make it easier for your kids to switch into “practice mode,” and it will minimize potential distractions. It is also important that the practice space be private. Practicing involves the freedom to make mistakes and ugly sounds, so if your child feels watched, they may not be able to experiment in the ways necessary for musical growth.
Any amount of practicing is good. Even 10 minutes of practicing is better than no practicing at all. Consistency is key. If your child plays their instrument regularly—for whatever length of time—they will keep honing their skills and deepening their love of music.
Understand the point of diminishing returns. If your child is getting frustrated, sometimes it is just better to take a step back. There is something to be said for working through difficult concepts, but if your child reaches the point of diminishing returns, continuing to practice may be detrimental to both their enjoyment and their skills. When they get too frustrated, encourage your child to end the practice session and start fresh tomorrow.
Create a practice log. Mark a chart with boxes for each day of the week and have your child put a sticker or star on every day they practice. A practice log can help teach your child time management, and it will also gamify the practice experience. Who doesn’t love collecting gold stars?
Give each practice session a goal. Open-ended practicing can be intimidating to a new music student. They may end up not practicing at all because they don’t know what to do, or they may just repeat their songs over and over again without learning anything. Collaborate with your child’s teacher to suggest a structure for practice sessions and identify realistic goals, like practicing a fingering or mastering a difficult rhythm. This goal-oriented approach will make practice sessions more effective and give your kids a strong sense of accomplishment.

With these tips, you can help your kids make effective practicing into a lifelong habit.

5. Offer incentives and rewards.

Positive reinforcement, like incentives and rewards, is an effective way to keep your kids engaged with music lessons. Rewards play a dual role in the music education progress; they both give your child something to strive for and recognize their hard work. Consider giving your kids a small treat, like ice cream or extra screen time, when they reach their practice goals or organizing a special celebration when they’ve mastered a piece.

6. Find child-friendly performance opportunities.

Preparing for a performance is a big motivator. Performances give children a tangible goal to work towards, and sharing their music reinforces their interest while boosting their self-esteem. Start small with informal, low-pressure performances for friends and family at home, and if your child seems to enjoy them, seek out other performance opportunities in your community. See if they can join their school’s music ensembles, perform with local children’s music organizations, or even form a band with their friends. You can also reach out to your student’s teacher, as many music teachers organize studio recitals and other concerts.

7. Be your kid’s number one fan.

Music is a complex undertaking, and progress can be hard to measure; that’s why your support is key. Be enthusiastic about your child’s music endeavors and celebrate all of their accomplishments, no matter how small! Your support can be key to establishing a growth mindset, so be sure to praise your child’s effort and consistency as well their abilities. When your child knows you’re behind them 100%, they will be motivated to keep going with music lessons.

8. Find the right teacher.

Finding the right teacher is key to keeping kids interested in music lessons. It is critical that you find a knowledgeable and supportive teacher who will nurture your child’s talents. You may be tempted to try the first teacher you find or the cheapest option—especially if your child is just starting music lessons and you’re not sure whether they will like it. However, your child’s music teacher will have the biggest influence on their musical development. If you don’t pick a caring, experienced teacher with lots of good reviews , you may be setting your kid up for failure (and throwing away your money in the process). Many music teachers offer consultations or trial lessons to see if they are the right fit, so take your time and shop around to find the right teacher for your child. And when it comes to finding the right teacher, there is no better place to start than Crowne Music!

Crowne Music: The Most Engaging Music Lessons for Kids

Crowne Music is your number one resource for music lessons in York County, Pennsylvania. Our expert staff of music teachers provide fun, engaging lessons that will turn your kids into lifelong music lovers—while also supercharging their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

We are proud to offer a variety of convenient locations throughout the greater York area, as well as numerous areas of music instruction, including:

Voice lessons
Violin lessons
Piano lessons
Guitar lessons
Drum lessons
Flute lessons
Clarinet lessons
Trumpet lessons

We also give our students a chance to shine with multiple performance opportunities per year, including recitals, cabarets, and opera and musical theater workshops.

At Crowne Music, your child will be empowered as both an artist and a person, preparing them for wherever their lives take them. Contact us today to start your child’s musical journey