By Heather Sanders.
In our home we have two guitar players, Jeff and Meredith. Though we have asked Meredith repeatedly, she has not been interested in actual guitar lessons (except a few starter lessons from her Daddy).
Most of what she has learned has come from seeking out and watching videos and reading guides, posts and tips from free online resources like GuitarInspired.com.
I sing, but cannot play any instruments, so I interviewed Gerald Crawford of GuitarInspired about his suggestions for integrating music into the homeschool environment. Though he focuses on guitar playing specifically, much of this is true for any instrument.
» What inspired you to take your knowledge and love of playing the guitar and turn it into an online website at GuitarInspired.com?
Well, when I was young I had to rely on steam driven cassette players to play songs that I was trying to learn, so I would be forward winding and rewinding the player whilst flicking the pages of my guitar lesson books, or reading from sketches my dad gave me showing which chords to play.
However, over the last ten or so years the internet has changed all of that forever, I know how tricky it is in the early stages of learning to play a musical instrument, and I also know that once you get over the first challenging steps of brain to hand coordination, it very quickly becomes so rewarding. I wanted to encourage others and show them that it’s not as difficult as you might think and so GuitarInspired was born.
» Did you grow up playing the guitar or have a family member who ignited that desire within you?
Yes, my dad, Mervyn Crawford, used to play guitar in a band called “Just Five in the 1960s” before he found his forte in playing the saxophone. I can remember when I first picked up his semi acoustic electric guitar and strummed tunelessly on it. I was fascinated with it, but found it daunting to actually try to play. Once my dad taught me some basic chords I was hooked.
» What do you think keeps parents from integrating music into their homeschool experience?
I think that some parents may feel that if they are not musically inclined themselves, they are not qualified to teach their children to play an instrument. I don’t believe this to be true. There are so many options available in music teaching today that they can merely guide their child through the course they are taking, be it with a guitar lesson dvd or with an actual music teacher, you will find that your child will following along in their own fashion.
» What is the main barrier of learning a musical instrument?
Getting started, I can’t deny that the most difficult stage in learning to play a musical instrument is training the dexterity of your hands and fingers. We all want to be able to play straight away, but if you can just encourage your child through the frustrating beginner stage and to stick with it until they can play a few chords or notes, you will have reached a huge milestone. This is because once they can play even one tune they realize that this really is possible, it removes their self doubt, gives them confidence and thats when it starts to become fun to play.
» What are some ways parents can weave music into their children’s lives?
I found that having the instruments at hand is very helpful. I keep my guitar on its stand in my study so anytime I feel like playing it’s always at hand. I used to keep it in its case, but this wasn’t a good idea because I was not nearly as quick to play it with the added inconvenience of having to go and get it. So, leave the instruments sitting on display in the room where your kids relax in.
» When we corresponded you mentioned the importance of seeking out an apprenticeship. What is the benefit of a apprenticeship for kids interested in music?
When children are taken in as apprentices under musical technicians who know the ins and outs of various instruments, the benefits increase. The youngsters will learn about instrument repair and how to take good care of them. The experiences add to children’s appreciation for their instruments.
» What are some ways you suggest to provide children with a music-rich environment?
One of the easiest ways to enhance music curriculum is to surround your kids with music. Parents should expose their children to music in many ways: singing with them, playing songs in the background while they play and learn, and allowing them to interact with a variety of basic instruments. These experiences will expose children to music in multiple contexts, allowing them to develop a deep appreciation for music.
» What is the importance of exposing children to multiple musical venues?
Watching musicians performing is very different from just listening to music at home while playing or learning. Children benefit greatly from watching musicians interact with their instruments.
In addition, children will be exposed to a wider genre of music as well as a greater variety of instruments if they attend live shows, broadening their knowledge and experiences. I found going to small local venues the most beneficial because you can get up close to the stage and really see whats going on and even get chatting with the musicians afterwards…and who knows what opportunities this might bring.
» Gaming is huge for kids right now. Do you have any suggests for engaging online music video games for children to play?
It’s true, kids absolutely immerse themselves in some video games, so why not use this as a positive learning tool. This can be a very effective way to get them engaged in music education whilst having serious fun.
Although they will think they are just playing games, they will actually be practicing and gaining experience, which, after all is the goal. Even though I can now play the guitar I am still learning new things and I recently took up blues guitar lessons on the internet where there are hundreds of courses to choose from.
You should check out these websites:
Links to Musical Game Sites – This website is maintained by the Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, ND. The site has a large list of musical games for children.
Kaboose – Music Games for Kids – This website hosts many musical games as well.
» Many homeschoolers like to integrate themes and studies across various subject matter (LA, Math, History, Science…), how easy is it to integrate music into planning instruction of this nature?
It’s not really all that difficult, it just requires a little creative thinking, as far as educational subjects go, music is one of the most versatile when it comes to integration.
It can be taught alongside social studies and science, as well as language arts and math.
Children can study the history of musical genres, the science behind sound, read, interpret, and write lyrics and poems. So, just give some of your lessons a different angle where you can include a music themed relationship in the subject.
» What do you think is the primary benefit of giving children opportunities to interact with music in a homeschool environment?
Well I think that when children are given opportunities to interact with music in a homeschool environment, their education is fuller and their background knowledge is deeper. In addition, benefits are also found in the area of brain development for children who are exposed to more varied experiences while growing up in their earlier years.
Gerald Crawford grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland and now lives with his wife Maureen in Tandragee, he was taught how to play the guitar by his father and he now has two children: Gary, who plays the guitar better than he does, and his daughter Carla, who is a pianist and plays keyboards in a local rock band.
———————————————————————————————
Please note: I am not a partner or affiliate of GuitarInspired.com, nor am I receiving any compensation for Mr. Crawford’s interview. This is simply intended to be a resource for homeschooling families.
———————————————————————————————
OMSH/Heather L. Sanders is “Momma” to three kids, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny. When not homeschooling, or writing about homeschooling, Heather is busy designing websites or going on dates with her husband Jeff, the love of her life.
Thinking of Home Schooling? Read mine and 24 other homeschooling families’ stories shared in the new book, You Can Do It Too!