Voices of Our Children: Stories of Music Education

Voices of Our Children: Stories of Music Education, Tatiana Bandurina, Quintecco Educational Products Inc, 2008

Among a parent's "jobs" is to decide when, or if, their child should learn to play a musical instrument. That's what this book, written by a music educator, is all about.

It tells the story of Jessica, who, along with her husband, Nicholas, wants their baby daughter, Alexandra, to learn the violin. At the local park, she runs into an older woman named Elizabeth. A music educator, Elizabeth is a seemingly inexhaustible source of wisdom, and connections, about music education.

If your child, or spouse, loves to sing, but sings horribly off-key, don't worry about it. The music-loving "gene" is already inside them. Training will help them find the right key. Is there such a thing as starting your child's music education too soon? When looking for a music teacher, first watch them interact with other students. If the teacher says that your child is musically hopeless, thank them and look for a different teacher. Don't choose the one with the lowest price or the biggest ad; be sure that they specialize in young children.

Your child is playing the piano or violin like a musical prodigy (Next stop: Carnegie Hall!). All of a sudden, they start hating the instrument and refuse to play it any more. What happened? What can a parent do to keep their child's interest? Is it ever a good idea to remind the child how much money was spent on the instrument and lessons, so you better keep practicing? (No) Who gets to decide what instrument the child should play, the parent or the child? If possible, try to turn learning music theory into a game. Finally, what is the benefit (if any) of a music education for children?

This is a really good book. It is pretty easy to read as a story, instead of a dry recitation of pedagogical techniques. For any parent who wants their child to learn a musical instrument, here is the place to start.