5 Tips for Teaching Kids & Teens Music
Hey there! So you’ve taken on the incredible adventure of teaching the next generation of musical heroes. In this blog post we’re diving deep into the world of teaching kids and teens. Whether you’re a seasoned music teacher or just starting, these key points will help you transform your teaching space and mindset when teaching your own budding musicians.
Create an Inspirational Learning Environment
Photo Credit: Woodriver Studios
Our goal is to create a learning space that is not only informative but also exciting and engaging. Think back to when you were at school in the class of your least favourite teacher. The room was probably a dull grey with no decorations or posters to spark inspiration. The teacher would give you black and white worksheets that you had to complete in total silence and you had to stay seated for the full hour of the lesson.
Let’s invert this experience to determine the way we should be running our guitar lessons for kids.
Dull grey classroom with no decorations = Colourful classroom with your chosen colour scheme, band posters, famous guitarist posters, student concert photos, branded banners, etc.
Boring worksheets and curriculum = Interactive activities that encourage creativity and collaboration, bright and colourful playsheets and other lesson materials
Glued to the chair for the whole lesson = Student rotation activities, performance activities, music games
2. Segments and Surprises
Music Teaching Worksheets, Music Games & Group Music Songs
Children are like energizer bunnies sometimes - tonnes of energy but a short attention span. To keep your lessons dynamic and engaging, break down the material into manageable, bite-sized chunks.
You don’t have to be an energizer bunny yourself to keep the students engaged. I’m not a particularly high-energy person but I use this segmented lesson approach to keep the lessons moving at a steady pace and encouraging questions and answers to keep my students’ minds from wandering.
In addition to this, consider introducing a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. Visual aids, hands-on activities, and interactive discussions can help maintain their interest. Sprinkle surprises throughout the lesson - maybe a guitar game, challenge or create a silly song together that incorporates the music technique that you’re teaching them. The element of surprise not only keeps them on their toes but also makes each music learning session an adventure filled with excitement and discovery.
3. Use a mix of Classics and Contemporary
Popular Guitar Songs for Kids and Teens
Let’s talk tunes! Kids and Teens are in touch with what’s hot and happening, so to truly capture their interest, incorporate popular songs into your teaching repertoire. I’m not saying to exclusively teach YouTube meme songs to your students (I would literally go insane if I did this all the time) but by blending in familiar tunes to the guitar lesson, it makes the learning experience more relatable and enjoyable.
Of course, don’t forget to teach kids the classics! Maintaining a balance between the contemporary and the timeless is key to keeping things interesting. Explore diverse genres to expose them to a wide range of musical styles, and encourage them to share their favourite songs. By incorporating the music they love, you’re not just teaching how to play the instrument, you’re helping them build a personal connection with the instrument.
4. Tech It To The Next Level
Interactive Guitar Software for Teaching Kids Music Lessons
If you’ve read any of my other blogs or have seen the way that I teach, you would know that I love incorporating technology into my lessons to keep them unique and fresh for my guitar students. In a world dominated by technology, why should your guitar lessons be left behind? Incorporate apps, online tutorials and interactive software into your lessons. Virtual chord charts, online music games and interactive lessons can add a new dimension to your teaching and create a point of difference from your competitors.
5. Personalised Playlist Power
Ask your music students about their favourite music, bands, genres and artists
Every kid is a unique musical soul, and tapping into that uniqueness can make your lessons even more impactful. Take the time to know their favourite genres and artists. Tailor your lessons to include their musical heroes, and watch their enthusiasm soar.
Let them have a say in the songs they learn and create opportunities for them to showcase their favourite tunes or even compose their own music. By fostering a personalised playlist, you’re not just teaching them music, you’re helping them discover and express their musical identity.
Teaching kids and teens to play music is not just about instructing them on the technicalities, it’s about fostering a love for music and creating an experience that resonates with them. So turn up the volume and transform your music lessons into an awesome lesson experience that your students will remember for a lifetime!
