…In Progress.
SYNOPSIS:
Among today’s youth, there is a boom of interest in playing instruments as a direct result of the popularity of GuitarHero and Rock Band, with over 20 million combined units sold. Instrument manufacturers are reporting record sales to first-time players, and guitar teachers nationwide are buzzing about the surging market, directly attributed to these games. Kids are getting into playing music!
At the same time, far too many of the parents of these beginners are unsure as to where to start (e.g. what instrument to buy, how much money to invest, how to find the right teacher, knowing if their child “has the talent,” etc.) and just as unsure about how to encourage and sustain the growth of their child in music so it’s not just a passing phase.
In So Your Child Wants To Be A ROCKSTAR: How To Start Them On An Instrument (And Keep ‘Em Going!), parents will find answers to the top, most frequently asked questions about starting out (instrument choice, lessons, practice habits, etc.) as well as proven advice on building unstoppable confidence in their child and his or her efforts.
Parents will walk away with a better understanding of the process of learning an instrument and a solid faith that their child CAN succeed, whether the goal is a satisfying lifelong hobby or a professional career in music.
Mike’s authority on the subject comes from his 18 years of experience working with children, teenagers, and parents, in addition to his 24 years studying, playing and teaching multiple instruments. Parents will find his passion and perspective to be encouraging, refreshing and insightful.
CURRENT UPDATE:
Mike is now speaking with publishing industry contacts and is submitting query letters and a book proposal to secure a deal. Prospects look good, as each person he speaks to sees potential and indicates interest in hearing more.
These things do not happen overnight, so you’re not going to see the book hitting shelves next month (maybe not even in the next six months). But updates are available on a regular basis by joing Mike’s Facebook group “So Your Child Wants To Be A ROCKSTAR.”
6 Comments so far
Leave a comment
I am so excited for you Mike! I know this book is something you have been wanting to do and working on for some time. It looks like you have captured exactly what you described when you told Ron and I about the book some time ago. Congratulations on your achievement! You ROCK!
Comment by Laura Fiet May 18, 2009 @ 4:29 pmThanks Laura! Great to hear from you! When am I making Fettuccini for you and Ron again!?
Comment by Mike Roberts May 18, 2009 @ 4:35 pmLOVE the bookcover!!! This is a great subject for a book. You seem to have a good understanding of today’s music student, and also of the parent. Wish my parents would have read a book like yours when I was studying music, who knows…
Comment by Anne May 18, 2009 @ 3:21 pmThank’s!
Thank you Anne!
Comment by Mike Roberts May 18, 2009 @ 4:34 pmThis sounds like a great book! I have seen this struggle time and time again — the parents cannot understand why their child wants to have music as a career. Also, when the child wants to start playing, the parents have no idea what the instrument is, what it takes to maintain the care of that instrument, etc. Having parents that understand and appreciate the time and effort that goes into learning an instrument is vital. I am anticipating that this book will offer immense help for those who are not already musically inclined. Thanks Mike and good luck with the final stages of getting your book in the market!
Comment by Patty D May 17, 2009 @ 6:32 amIt seems like there’s a lot of things that we assume our children will get (math, spelling, riding a bike, etc.), but when it comes to music there’s an expectation that they must “already have it” in order to succeed. I like what you said about understanding the time and effort that must go into it. That’s what I hope I can help more people come to understand. Thanks!!!
Comment by Mike Roberts May 18, 2009 @ 7:34 am