Every parent wants the best for their kids – the best schools, friends, interests and activities. And a great many parents would also like their children to be involved in music in some way, whether through singing or playing an instrument. Music, whether in a private or group setting, can provide countless benefits to any child.
Research has shown time and time again that learning and making music in a group setting has a few added benefits, including improved quality of life and deeper relationships, over solo classes. Parents who worry about their kids making friends should seriously consider summer music camp for their shy children. The benefits of being part of a group with similar interests and a common goal cannot be understated. In fact, we’ve collected just a handful of ways summer music camp can help build any child’s confidence.
Greater Interest
One of the very first things that summer music camp can do for your child in increase the level of interest they already have for playing music. This is thanks to the greater levels of interaction between students with similar interests. A student and their teacher might have a bit of a generational difference between them, leading to more formal conversations. While in group settings, however, there is little to no communication barrier between students, making learning much more of a welcoming, group activity from the beginning.
Overcoming Shyness
Learning alone, like in a private lessons setting, can mean a lot of pressure on a child. But playing in a group during summer music camp can relieve a lot of that stress by helping them relax and enjoy the music more. Since playing with a group means playing music in front of people every week, children will become less inhibited, and more confident with their instrument. If your child is on the shy side, summer camp could be just what they need to overcome their insecurity and build some confidence – with a ready-made group of like-minded friends!
Less Pressure
Another way summer music camps helps kids build confidence is that some of the pressure is taken off learning. Many people, kids and adults alike, avoid starting music lessons out of fear around starting something new, and being embarrassingly bad at it. Far too many potential music students picture sitting in a room, just one-on-one with their instructor, and get horrified at the idea that they may not get as good as they want, as fast as they want. They worry that the things they think they’ll be bad at will be obvious and terrible.
But group settings can help relieve that pressure, whether it’s real or just in their head. Small mistakes get lost in the sound of the group, progress is made together as an ensemble, and the act of learning is supported by the entire band or orchestra. The more relaxed atmosphere helps many children relax as well, and just enjoy the music they are helping to create.
Versatility
Thanks in no small part to the inevitable diversity in a summer music camp, the teacher is often able to expose the class to a wider variety of types of music and instruments than they would be able to in solo classes. This can lead to more musical curiosity, as well as an enhanced level of flexibility and versatility in their playing.
Motivation & Competition
As a parent, you already know that nothing motivates a child quite like their peers. In solo lessons, the only people pushing your child to improve is their teacher, you, and hopefully themselves. On the other hand, in a summer music camp, your child will be motivated and inspired to work hard, try new things, and keep up with the progress of the group. Playing with a group encourages positive competition, pushing students to learn from and encourage one another to improve.
Teamwork
Every parent knows the importance of teaching their children the value of teamwork. Most of the time, the go-to teaching method for this lesson is a sports team or summer camp, and while that is a perfect place to learn how to work with others, it is not the only place those skill can be taught. If you have children who are less interested in sports, summer music camp can teach teamwork just as effectively as any team.
For children, playing with an ensemble can teach them how to work as a team by teaching them how to let go of their own ego to benefit the group. Regardless of which part of the piece they have, be it harmony or melody, they can learn to listen and communicate non-verbally as a team to bring the music together, building confidence in themselves and one another along the way.
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There are many ways for kids to build confidence at summer music camp. Music is usually best when shared, and playing with a group adds in all the ingredients needed for full and complete training built on a solid foundation of technique, as well as these social benefits.
Are you looking for a fun and educational summer experience for your child? Look no further! The Music Studio’s Kids Music Summer Camps offer a variety of exciting and engaging programs designed to inspire young musicians. With options ranging from singing and songwriting to rock band and music theatre, our camps provide the perfect opportunity for kids to explore their musical interests and develop their talents.
Check out all our summer music camps, and sign up today!