Helping Young Musicians Become Independent (A Guide for Parents & Teachers) Many young musicians love playing music but sometime struggle to make their own creative choices. Instead, they rely on their teachers or parents to tell them what to do most times. While guidance is important, too much dependency can slow down their growth as musicians. Have you ever noticed a child saying: I. “I don’t know what to play unless my teacher tells me.” II. “I’m afraid of making mistakes.” III. “I don’t want to try something new, it’s too hard.” This happens because most children feel safer following instructions than exploring on their own. But great musicians don’t just copy, they create, interpret, and express themselves! Why Do Some Kids Struggle with Independence? Research shows that children learn best when they have the right balance of: I. Support (someone to guide them) II. Challenge (tasks that push them to improve) III. Freedom (a chance to make their own choices) If a child only follows instructions, they miss out on discovering their own musical voice. How Can We Help? Here are some simple ways parents and teachers can help children grow into independent musicians: 1. Guide, then step back Show them how to play a song, then let them try without help. 2. Encourage “Musical Conversations”. Ask, “What do you think this piece is saying?” Let them explore different ways to play it. Let them explore alternative chords of best fit to a song, for instance. 3. Give choices or opportunities to make choices. Let them pick a song, try a new rhythm, or even change the melody a little. 4. Make mistakes a normal opportunity to learn. Show them that even professionals make mistakes and learn from them! 5. Let them teach someone else. When kids explain music to a friend or sibling or perhaps their parents, they understand it better themselves. The Goal is Confidence & Creativity! When children feel safe to explore, they become better musicians and better learners in general. So let’s encourage them to think, experiment, and express themselves through music! 🎵 What are your favorite ways to help young musicians become more independent? - Joseph Adeleye #musiceducation #earlychildhoodmusiceducation #parentalguide #teachersguide