The piano is one of the most enthralling instruments one could take up as a hobby, summer holiday task, or even as a profession. At times, when one child of the family shows interest in a particular thing, then it might motivate others to do the same.
If the siblings of your house have shown interest in taking up piano lessons, then be prepared because sometimes there can be a lot of tension in the environment too. This can be because of the lack of coordination as to who will practice first, and for what duration of time. If the set of siblings is naughty, then they don’t need any particular reason to fight and create a ruckus.
Setting The Space
A piano is a large instrument and needs space for its setting, so make sure to keep it at a location that does not interfere with daily chores. Also, when multiple people are using the piano, there will be a lot of stretches and use for it as well. Piano playing needs consistency, dedication, and practice, so it is necessary to provide enough time for each sibling so that they can practice well.
In most households, it is usually the eldest child that takes up something new, and the younger ones follow. If siblings are taking piano lessons, then it becomes necessary to make a plan. People like to keep only one such sizable instrument in their houses, so time division is something inevitable.
Managing Things
You can either set some particular duration every day for piano playing or even allot alternate days for smooth functioning. Furthermore, if the practice session is biweekly, then the chances of conflicts are even less. Scheduling a piano playing session in front of family and friends at regular time intervals can also be helpful. This will not only boost confidence, but it will help in tracking a student’s progress more regularly.
Moreover, another way can be to perform duets after enough practice; this will assist in bringing out the best of music and coordinating skills. The siblings will have something they can share and cherish for life. Additionally, if any of the children wish to take up any other instrument, then piano lessons are going to be extremely helpful, as the piano is a wonderful instrument on which to learn both the bass clef and treble clef.
Understand The Competition
When children are doing something in the same arena, then competition is bound to affect them. It might be obvious and in front of everyone or more concealed and subtle. However, you need to try and prevent any sibling rivalry since music is meant to form bonds or make them stronger and not break people apart.
One possible solution is to enroll each sibling in a different set of lessons and assigning them different practicing slots. You can counsel kids to focus more on personal growth rather than on noticing each other’s weak points. Teach them to help each other in the learning process.
This can be a daunting task, but you can ask the instructor to avoid teaching the same musical piece to them or teaching them from the same musical books. Otherwise, they will start comparing quality and progress and might indulge in fights. You can also try and coordinate your extra efforts with the piano instructor to avoid situations that might create such rivalry. You can go by the always reliable awarding technique to transplant healthy competition. Provide awards to them even for their slightest achievement as this is going to encourage them.
If there’s a significant age gap in the children, then you can ask them to teach each other. Teaching others always helps as they have to be well versed with the things themselves before being able to teach others. So they would pay much more attention to their lessons because they have it in the back of their mind that they have to explain it later to someone else.
Another tip would be to be a silent spectator at such times. Not a lot of people prefer to do this, but you can also keep two pianos for their practice. If you do not find keeping two pianos a viable option, then you can get an acoustic piano and a keyboard.
The space-occupying feature of the second piano might scare you, but a keyboard won’t take up a lot of space in your house. This way, the kids can practice at the same time too. Furthermore, a keyboard will come with headphones, preventing anyone else from having to listen during practice hours. Also, it will be possible to play it late nights or even early in the morning.
Don't Rush with Children
Initially focus more on establishing their habits than on looking forward to their improvised performance. Arranging for practicing games can also be ideal and fun for children to learn. Games work for children because they find it a fun task to do with someone they can relate to on a mental level. Children are usually not very good at handling criticism; they easily get demotivated. There should be a polite way to remind them of mistakes, but sheer criticism can break their little hearts.
Furthermore, criticism can even make them shut off from learning an instrument for good. A very popular musician might be an excellent pianist, and not a very good teacher. So, if siblings are beginning piano at a young age, then get them a teacher who is patient, subtle yet strict. Children should not be fearful of their teacher, but should not disrespect them, either. If they fear their teacher, they won’t find lessons fun; instead, they’ll feel pressured.
If you feel a reduction in the child’s enthusiasm for lessons, then it is time for the parents or the instructor to get more creative. You can keep weekly or monthly goals, so they feel the urge to work hard and get to the finishing line. You need to keep the goals realistic for children, so they do not underestimate themselves or even lose confidence.
If they have been practicing for quite some time, then ask them to write a few notes or a short song for any of their loved ones and to present it to them. The children are bound to show immense interest as you will have activated an emotional string. You might even notice the renewed enthusiasm and that their level of focus has increased. If they feel incredibly proud of themselves, they will again express the zeal that they earlier showed.
It’s possible that the children think the setting and location of practicing is monotonous, so try changing it. The children might not mention it or even realize it themselves, so try feeling out the ambiance of the area by yourself. If it comes out to be all dark and gloomy, then swap it with some other place in your house.
Conclusion
It is certainly going to be a fun ride when two siblings decide to learn the piano. Keep fueling their imagination using various experimentations.
