The Power of Listening
There are so many foundational skills to learning an instrument, and listening is one of them. We practice listening exercises to train the musical ear and to be able to play the violin in tune, but there is so much more to listening than you might think.
Today we're going to talk about aspects of listening that will improve your child’s performance at learning the violin. I bet you won't have thought of the third one I'm going to share!
In case you’re new here, hello! I'm Melodie with the Violin Practice Partner, and I've been teaching violin for 25 years. It's my mission to help light the world through music by helping children learn to play the violin, while also gaining confidence, learning important life skills, and improving their academic achievement.
Listening is something we can apply quickly and easily to our lives. Why is it so powerful?
First, listening skyrockets learning. Listening to music in particular taps into other parts of your brain and lights it up in other areas, and it helps with language skills and rhythm. Listening in general also makes you aware of the world around you and helps you get a feel for your environment. Now, let’s go over the 3 things you should be listening to as your child learns the violin.
#1 - Listening to Music
As a music teacher, I know that there are many benefits of listening to music. It is proven to improve your mood, lower your stress, and improve connections in your brain related to learning and memory.
Rhythm and music are the foundation of language, with connections to intonation, expression, and pronunciation. This is why music is so powerful in helping them learn well.
It is important for your child to hear the piece they’re working on throughout the week. When they hear the song over and over again, they will learn to play the song faster because they know what true pitch they’re aiming for, as their feel of rhythm will improve.
#2 - Listening to Your Child
It is so important for your child to feel heard when they are learning the violin. Listen to their frustrations, celebrate their successes with them, and encourage more “mini recitals” at home so they can build up their confidence playing in front of others.
You can easily improve practice time by going with your child’s interests and allowing them to pick between several acceptable choices. (ex. you can practice bow techniques or rhythm, which do you want to do?)
When we listen to our children, we can connect with them on a deeper level. When they know they are being heard and understood, they open up, and that makes practicing even easier. Take a moment to listen to your child with joy and acceptance rather than judgment.
#3 - Listening to Yourself
It is so great that you are seeking other sources of guidance to help your child succeed at violin (and I’m so happy to help!), but don’t forget that you are the expert on your own child.
So often we forget to trust our own inner guidance. We only seek advice from others without listening to ourselves as parents. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you know what’s right for your child. Follow your instincts, and trust yourself as you help them progress.
Listening to music, your child, and yourself can make such a huge difference in how you and your child view their violin lessons! I am willing to bet you will be surprised how shifting your view transforms your experience.
If you’re finding this information helpful, please take a moment to invite a friend to our How to get your child started Webinar, so we can light the world through music together!
