Learning to play an instrument is an incredible journey for a child. It opens doors to creativity, self-expression, and a lifelong appreciation for music. But what’s the best way for kids to learn? Should they dive into private lessons? Try to figure it out with YouTube? Or should they use a structured online program?
At My Music Workshop, we believe the best way for kids to learn an instrument is by doing more than just playing songs—they should be creating, exploring, and truly understanding music. Let’s dive into what really works for helping kids learn an instrument, stay motivated, and develop a love for making music.
Beyond Just Playing Songs: Helping Kids Create Music
Most parents want their kids to be able to play their favorite songs. That’s a great goal, and it’s part of learning an instrument, but it’s not the full picture. Learning songs is both an end goal and a means to an end. Learning songs can be fun, keep kids motivated and make kids feel like rock stars, but learning songs is also a way to learn to things like patterns, chords, chord progressions, tempos, time signatures, and how songwriters create..
The best approach is a balance: kids should be able to learn their favorite songs quickly and easily, while also gaining the tools to create their own music. That means teaching them about rhythm, chords, melodies, and the “why” behind music, not just the “how.”
At My Music Workshop, we focus on giving kids the skills to create, improvise, and explore music while also learning songs they love. This makes learning more engaging and helps them develop a deeper connection to their instrument. You can try learning with us for free at www.mymusicworkshop.com.
Technique, Theory, and the Building Blocks of Music
Learning to play an instrument isn’t just about pressing the right keys, strumming the right chords, or playing cool beats. Kids need a strong foundation, which includes:
- Technique: Proper hand positioning, posture, and coordination to play comfortably and efficiently.
- Theory: Understanding notes, chords, rhythm, and how music is put together.
- Ear Training: Being able to recognize things in music and play by ear.
- Creativity: Experimenting with new sounds, writing simple songs, and making music their own.
The key is to introduce these concepts in a fun, engaging way that doesn’t feel like a chore.
For example, instead of drilling scales endlessly, kids can learn scales by playing along with a fun jam track. Instead of memorizing chord charts, they can practice chords by playing songs they already love.
Music should feel exciting and rewarding—not like a math test.
The Best Way for Kids to Practice: Playing Along With Music
There’s a big difference between “playing an instrument” and actually making music. Too often, kids learn an instrument in a way that feels disconnected from real music. They might practice drills or exercises, but without the context of playing along with a song, it can feel boring or mechanical.
The best way for kids to learn is by:
- Being taught a concept (like a new note, chord, or rhythm).
- Practicing it in a real musical setting (like playing along with a backing track, a band, or even a simple drum beat).
- Getting immediate feedback so they know they’re on the right track. Playing with music isn’t just motivating and fun, it also tells a student if they aren’t playing in time or aren’t playing the write notes or chords.
Playing along with music keeps kids engaged and helps them develop a natural sense of rhythm, timing, and musicality. That’s why at My Music Workshop, we integrate jam tracks, interactive lessons, and real-time feedback into our program.
Keeping Kids Motivated When They Are Learning Music
Starting an instrument is exciting, but staying motivated is the real challenge. Motivation comes from:
- Seeing progress (learning songs, improving technique, mastering new skills).
- Feeling successful (playing music they enjoy, not just exercises).
- Having fun (engaging lessons, rewards, and interactive learning).
- Feeling supported (having guidance and encouragement along the way).
The more fun and rewarding the process is, the more likely kids are to stick with it. That’s why My Music Workshop incorporates progress tracking, interactive elements, and rewards to keep kids engaged. Try our full kids music learning program totally free at www.mymusicworkshop.com.
Overcoming Challenges: Teaching Kids to Push Through Frustration
Every musician, no matter how talented, faces moments of frustration. Whether it’s struggling with a tricky song, feeling stuck, or hitting a plateau, learning an instrument isn’t always easy.
One of the best lessons music can teach kids is how to push through challenges. The key is helping them develop a growth mindset—where they see mistakes as part of learning rather than a reason to quit.
Encourage kids to:
- Break tough tasks into smaller steps (learn one hand of a piano song before playing both hands together).
- Take breaks when needed (sometimes stepping away helps the brain process new skills).
- Celebrate small wins (even playing a simple melody correctly is progress!).
- Stay patient and persistent (remind them that every great musician started as a beginner too!).
Different Ways Kids Can Learn an Instrument
There are several ways kids can learn to play an instrument, each with its pros and cons:
Private Lessons
- Pros: One-on-one attention, personalized feedback.
- Cons: Expensive, requires scheduling, depends on the quality of the teacher.
YouTube Tutorials
- Pros: Free, lots of options, learn at your own pace.
- Cons: No structure, hard to know where to start, no feedback or guidance.
Online Music Programs (Like My Music Workshop!)
- Pros: Structured lessons, interactive learning, play-along tracks, affordable.
- Cons: Self-paced (requires some discipline), no in-person feedback.
For many families, an online program offers the best balance—it provides structure and guidance while being flexible and budget-friendly.
Try My Music Workshop!
At My Music Workshop, we’ve created a program that helps kids learn instruments in a way that’s engaging, fun, and effective. We combine structured lessons with interactive activities, jam tracks, and rewards to keep kids motivated and excited about learning.
- Learn piano, drums, singing, ukulele, and more.
- Play along with real music.
- Interactive lessons that make learning fun.
- Learning Activities, Games and Interactive elements
- Earn rewards and track progress.
If you want your child to not just play an instrument but truly connect with music, give My Music Workshop a try. Start a free trial today and see the difference for yourself!