Today we’ll talk about siblings and music lessons. We’re all familiar with how captivating and hypnotizing music can be. No matter the genre, the instrument, or the arrangement, music is like a universal language and a true representative of the human spirit. It’s still somewhat mysterious as to how every emotion can be translated into this form of art; and how people are able to “communicate” through it. So it’s no wonder that children find music to be so charming. While it may seem a bit puzzling at times, they’re still often attracted to it – even the most complex classical and jazz pieces.
And if a child shows interest in music, it would really be a shame not to help them down this path of becoming a musician. After all, music lessons and music skills, in general, will help them excel at other spheres of life. Aside from boosting motor and sensory development, music can help them in social interaction and overall social skill development.
But the thing that we would like to discuss here is whether siblings should take music lessons together. If one child shows interest in music, it’s not unusual that the sibling, or siblings, get attracted to this art form as well. After all, you can just imagine how interesting this new instrument that produces all these exciting new sounds seems to a young child. The next thing they know, parents are booking these same lessons to their other children as well.
But should these lessons be taken separately? Or should siblings participate in it together? Let’s find out.
Not every child is the same
The first thing to bear in mind that not every child is the same. Some children may show more interest in music than others. On the other hand, some may show their interest later than others.
And you’ll also have to think about relationships between siblings. Kids just sometimes get along, sometimes they don’t. This is also a very important issue you’ll need to know when deciding whether they should start taking the lessons together straight away.
Siblings Music Lessons Pros
The biggest argument in favor of siblings taking lessons together is social skills development. If they’re not always getting along among themselves, or with other children their age, music lessons like these can be a great way for them to further work on it. A group activity where they’re supposed to work together in a mutual goal is clearly beneficial. Especially if they’re going to perform the same music pieces together.
At the same time, this can also develop their sense of healthy competition early in their lives. Of course, it’s important to teach them how to encourage each other in the process. And when one child notices the progress in another, they’ll also be motivated to practice and learn more.
Not to mention that these activities can be more fun. Just imagine the joy they’ll have spending this time together and exploring the wonders of music. For instance, if two siblings are really into it, practicing together will be like any other leisure activity.
Siblings Music Lessons Cons
There are, however, a few cases where this might not be a good idea. For instance, if one child shows more interest, progress, and talent for this particular instrument at the given moment, you might want to have their lessons separately. There are two reasons for this. First, the child that likes it more won’t have to spend their time going over the basics over and over again. And secondly, the child that’s not showing as much progress at the moment might feel discouraged to continue taking these lessons. You don’t want to turn these lessons into something that would perpetuate jealousy and gaps between siblings.
Another thing to think about is whether the siblings wish to play different instruments. For instance, one might find interest in piano, while the other one is really into, let’s say, guitar or violin. Sure, letting them both play the same instrument might be helpful if you want to keep your family budget in order, but the best results can only be achieved if the child actually plays what they like.
Other issues
Look, the most important thing here is that the child should show some initial interest in music. If there’s no interest at all, the chances are they won’t really excel at any instrument at all. And don’t worry – some children find this passion for music later on. With this said, it’s important not to force them to do it, especially not together with the sibling who’s potentially into it.
If both children are interested in music, the lessons will definitely work better if they’re roughly the same age. This has to do with their cognitive and emotional development. If they’re twins or about one year apart, then group music lessons won’t be an issue. In case they’re both showing interest in music, that is.
For children who are both interested in it, but are a few years apart, maybe you can ask the teacher if the younger one can just attend a few of these music lessons and observe. Have them sit there and see if they show the same kind of enthusiasm as the older child. This way, you’ll know whether they’ll want to start taking music lessons in the near future. Just make sure not to overdo it. Over time, these can gradually shift into group music lessons, and it wouldn’t be fair for the private tutor to teach two or more kids for the price of one.
Conclusion
But like we said – at the end of the day, it all comes down to the question of whether the child shows any signs of interest. Sure, sometimes you can try and give them lessons to see whether they’re interested in this form of art. After all, it’s a very specific trait that requires a special kind of care.
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