Here’s the second installment in the series… more riffs for you to enjoy. Feel free to comment below!

If your child displays signs of waning interest or indifference to their music (or sport, or art, or anything else), then maybe the following 5 SOLUTIONS FOR THE “INDIFFERENT” STUDENT can help.

1. Maybe they need a break. Is it that music is just not in their heart, or could it be that an over-crowded schedule is weighing them down in general? If possible, allow them a few weeks off from something on the calendar to see what’s really important.

2. Maybe the pilot light has gone out. Do they remember what inspired them to begin with? Talk to them about what seemed exciting about it at first, or take them to inspiring place (music store, concert, etc.) to help re-ignite the flame.

3. Maybe there’s too much pressure. Is the performance of music getting more emphasis than the enjoyment of it? Reminding them that it’s more important to play for the heart than for the “grade” could help relieve some pressure. (Funny thing is, shifting the emphasis off performance generally improves performance.)

4. Maybe they need more clear cut goals. Are they unsure as to exactly what they’re supposed to be doing when they sit down to practice or even what the point of practice is all together? Talk to them about their practice goals and try to see if they understand the direct benefits of it.

5. Maybe the routine has become mundane. Are they in need of change? Try a different day or time in the schedule, a new practice environment, a new practice tool, a different approach with the instrument, a new instrument (either a better model of the same instrument or perhaps a completely different instrument… just a suggestion).

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