Why do we study the violin? Why do we devote countless hours to practicing, going to lessons, and preparing for recitals? Why do we devote hundreds (thousands!) of dollars to this endeavor? Why do we persevere through those days of struggle, tears, and tricky attitudes? Of course, there are many reasons that are easy to list: promotes the development of work ethic, develops problem-solving skills, encourages cognitive development through integration of very different skill sets (physical, cognitive, sensory, and social skills), provides an outlet for creativity, introduces children to a treasured art form, etc. The list goes on and on! But take a moment to think about this list. From a child’s perspective. Are any of these reasons the sorts of reasons that would motivate a person who does not have the benefit of years of life experience behind them? What motivates children? Or even more to the point: what motivates your child?
Often, the first few months of violin playing come more or less easily to a student. Months of anticipation culminate in the beginning of violin lessons. Everything is new and exciting! The child learns to hold the instrument, then s/he learns to play rhythms on open strings, then s/he learns to use fingers, and play their first song: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and Variations! Then they enjoy the early pieces in Bk 1. But often, somewhere between 1 or 2 years of study, students and their parents may begin to run into a bit of lack of enthusiasm or even resistance toward practicing. This can be a bit confusing to parents: why I smy child not enjoying violin now when it seemed so enjoyable just a few months ago? What changed? How do we get this joy back? If and when this happens – because it happens at some point(s) to every student! – we as adults need to focus more on fostering the child’s own vision. Adults are happy to work and go through discomfort when they see a reason; when there is a goal worth sacrificing for…and children are no different! This goal may be learning the next song. It may be the reward at the end of a sticker chart. It may be a desire to “keep up” with their friends (though this one is very tricky! Comparing, either positively or negatively - is all too often deadly to a young violinist’s love for the instrument). But after a while, even these extrinsic motivators can begin to fall short. The best way to encourage practicing is through the fostering of intrinsic motivation. Children naturally desire to please adults – show them you are pleased! Children love to create something new – allow some space for exploration. Children seek things that are new and full of wonder – find a way to allow wonder to permeate even the “mundane” tasks of everyday practice. Children love to do things that others are doing – arrange play dates with other young students apart from the violin to foster friendships which will strengthen the group class camaraderie. Below are some additional ideas. Please let me know which of these ideas has motivated your child. Include additional ideas in the comments section for other families to try!
6 Comments
3/30/2016 02:16:08 am
Fostering vision is a new concept which has been introduced in this world and through this devastation they may promote many things which are liked by everyone.
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6/1/2016 07:25:29 am
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12/24/2016 02:32:05 am
Nice to be hearing about this blog keep doing in the same way about fostering vision thanks. All are getting better points and concepts about important information always keep doing in the same way.
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