Growing up, I learned music the traditional way.
No toys, no games, no apps (obviously). Classrooms are strictly limited to books and orthodox teachings. Thankfully, I had an innate interest in music and that kept me going. While that was my experience, the same can’t be said of other kids. Looking back on how the way music used to be taught, I can see why kids dropped out of music lessons when they grow up. Some of them even went on to say they hated music and would never send their kids to music lessons.
Hearing this, I felt a pinch in my heart and I swore that there must be a better way to teaching music. Learning music doesn’t have to be painful. It can be enjoyable, I believed. Throughout my journey, I am thankful that I have met great mentors that shared their ideas that can innovate the way we teach children music. Using the right approach to a child can either make or break their interest, after all.
With the use of toys and games, it totally changes the way music education is done in a more positive way. It is also a chance to change the parents’ perspective on what a music lesson entails and create a positive environment for children to grow. This idea however is not universally accepted. There are still educators who are more conservative in their ways and I respect them nonetheless. What I am about to share here is the reason why I love using toys, games and music apps in my lesson as I have seen first-hand the tremendous progress in the child’s learning progress in music.
Effective Communication Tool
Using toys in the classroom is a great way to build trust and bond with a student that is shy in their first lesson. As teachers, we can use the child’s favourite toys to break the ice. Establishing trust is important in order for the child to be open to the teacher and encourage them to listen. We need to eliminate their fear and show them that we as teachers are always there to support them to achieve their goals.
Having trouble asking your students not to rest their hands on the piano or curving fingers? Try this, use a toy train and put it under their hands. Tell the students that the train needs to pass through under it. This is one of the many ways that toys can use to describe and shape proper music techniques in students in a fun way. If you would like to describe the dynamics or articulations of a piece, simply use a toy to do storytelling so the students are able to relate better.
If you have a child or student that finds music practice to be boring, you can always turn it into a game. For example, get the child to practice a section 6 times. Each time the child has completed the practice, place 1 toy next to their book. It would help them understand that they are only a few more steps away from completing the task. This works well particularly for students that are visual learners.
Creating Positive Environment and Feeling
When you use toys and games in classes, there’s never a dull moment. Every week, the child will be excited to attend the class because they know that they are learning in a fun-filled environment that also helps to support their growth and progression. On many occasions, I have students that come into class in a foul mood, only to light up the moment I started teaching using their favourite toys and games. Although my classes incorporate toys and games, my students are able to complete the goals that I have set to teach them.
Music Naps
Toys and games are a great tool for “music naps”. What are music naps? Music naps are a short break time of 2 - 3 minutes for a child to play or do whatever they enjoy after a practice session. They can cuddle their favourite toy, run around the room or even play hide and seek with toys. It helps them to release their stress, frustration or anger if they have from practice and to recharge their energy. This helps them to regain focus better once they come back to the piano.
Toys are an important part of a child’s life. It not only helps to create a fun moment for them but it also helps to develop a sense of security. Don’t be afraid to let your child or student to bring or play with it in class. Experiment with it and think about how it can promote the different types of development in their learning. The experience that you give to them will last a lifetime.
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