Before I became a music therapist I was an orchestral musician. I would often hear people tell me “you are so talented, I wish I had music talent” or something similar. I often thought “you didn’t hear me when I started …” 

No matter what age you begin to learn a skill, every one starts at the beginning. Some may have some advantages like starting at an early age, long fingers for piano, or be able to pick up the basic skills quickly. However as I have talked to most musicians, and they will tell you the same thing, around age 7-8 talent ran out and practicing took over. 

Some key things to developing a music ability in your child: 

• foster a love of music 
• disciplined daily practice
• develop good practice techniques
• quality instruction

Pablo Casals a brilliant cellist, was well into his nineties as he continued to practice intensely with his cello, and when he was asked why he was so diligent he replied with one of these statements: because I think I’m making progress. 

Here is a few ideas to help foster a love of Music with your child: 

• Make a point of putting on music (all varieties) in your home. Ask your child what they think about it. Did you like it? Why/Why not? What instruments did you hear? What was the quality of the sound? This is also a great time to practice communication as well! 
• I find often that people have music on, but no one is listening. One thing that I do if I have music on in my home I will turn it off every 30 minutes, and then turn it on when I want to listen again. Background music can be helpful for concentration and working but it can also become noise that our brain is working to shut out. 
• Try to refrain from telling your child that you were/are not talented in music.
• Encourage your child in their chosen instrument if they are learning, and take an interest in their daily practice

Developing music skills with small children: 

• Play rhythmic games with your child, you tap a rhythm and they tap it back, and then let your child lead!
• Sing with your child, it does not need to be perfect. Your child will remember that you sang with them, not if every note was perfect. 

Written by Tyne Heenan, MT-BC, MTA, NMT – Neurologic Music Therapist with Wildflowers