subject: Music Education for Parents: The Importance of Music Teacher Education [print this page] Music Education for Parents: The Importance of Music Teacher Education
Is your child interested in learning a musical instrument? That's great! It's now time to find a music teacher for him who will be his guiding force throughout his musical learning. But, you should ensure that the teacher has had a sound music teacher education so that you are assured of professional and understanding care.If you don't know the basic criteria for searching for the most suitable music teacher for your child, it will just come down to your luck. And should you trust your luck especially when it comes to your child and his entire future?To give your child the opportunity to explore his musical talents to the best of his ability, I suggest you to hire a teacher from acclaimed music teacher education programs.Children are no doubt excited with their music lessons at the beginning of their education due to innate curiosity and eagerness. Their music teacher, whoever he is, however does not remain so kind and patient forever. He soon comes out of the "child's shoes" and expects responsible and diligent practice from the child for at least half an hour every day.Restless children especially find it difficult to follow the stricter regime. As the music teacher starts using "professional" language rather than kid language, the children start losing focus and get more restless. Here is where the exceptional music teachers stand apart from the average ones. They will think from the perspective of the children and modify their teaching accordingly. Children are brilliant imaginers and this is what needs to be tapped to teach them correct reading of musical notes, correct movements, sounding, etc.Music teacher education trains teachers in how to sustain the child's interest in musical learning. Else if you let your child train under average teachers, you will soon see your child just "serve his time" at the lessons and homework and lose the whole point of learning music.If music teachers continue their strict ways of handling music lessons, the child loses interest, which is the lifeblood of learning. Once a favorite of the child, the teacher will now be seen as a monster that keeps reprimanding him for laziness and inattention. Parents too will start pestering and forcing the child to practice more. But remember, dear parents, force will only lead your child to depression.How do you make out if your child is losing interest in learning music? Simple - just look into his eyes and see if the spark is still there. Recall the spark that was in his eyes on the first day of his music lessons. Is it still the same?If the teacher you choose for your child puts his music teacher education to good use, he will know the psychology of children at every stage of music learning, and will be in charge of the situation!
