“I took piano once when I was six. I wish I would have stuck with it.” That’s a phrase I’ve heard all too often. Fortunately, there’s good news. It’s not too late for you to get involved in music, and it’s not too late for your child.
It starts with finding a teacher. Once you find a teacher, have a conversation with them. Many teachers are willing to accommodate and personalize lesson plans for different musical interests and styles of learning.
Additionally, teachers are often flexible. Some are willing to provide group lessons, parent and child lessons, or even teach out of your own home.
For children or adults with disabilities, music is a creative outlet. Laura Visser, who has more than ten years of piano teaching experience, has often worked with children and adults with disabilities. She notes that some of the highlights from her career have come from seeing these people connect with the language of music and express themselves through it.
There are a lot of options for the whole family. Consider hand bells, for example. The Community School of Music in Winnipeg sometimes offers hand bell lessons with only basic musical knowledge required. With six to 12 people making up a hand bell ensemble, it lends the feeling of being part of a team.
Another option is to find a choir or instrumental ensemble that interests your family. For new families, or families with infants or toddlers, Visser’s own Music for Young Children program is a place for parents to participate in their baby or toddler’s early musical learning.
For those searching for something other than classical music, ask a teacher for instruction with a focus on jazz, pop tunes, church music, folk songs, blues, opera, Broadway, or instrumental accompaniment. While classical training remains the most common style of instruction, teachers often work in a variety of other styles as well.
Sheila Rempel, another local music teacher, often has people ask for help with leading worship music, for example. “It’s rewarding when students begin to connect with a piece of music, especially when it’s something they are familiar with and can identify with,” says Rempel. “I find this often happens when playing worship music.”
Involve your family in the joy of music. It’s never too late to start and it’s never too late to pick up where you left off!
