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Teaching Virtual Music Lessons: What’s Needed to Make a Connection?

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The global shift to online teaching has presented both opportunities and challenges. Let’s discuss some of the hurdles music instructors face and explore how the greats rise above them, ensuring that every child’s musical journey remains an incredibly rewarding adventure!

Teaching Virtual Music Lessons – Overcoming Hurdles

Historically, one of the biggest challenges with virtual music lessons was battling technical difficulties. From internet connectivity woes to audio/video quality concerns, these hiccups can hinder the learning experience. But today, it’s not so much of a concern. Internet connectivity is faster and more robust, and video chatting platforms have never been better. So, bad experiences due to poor internet connectivity are solvable, as accessibility to broadband connections has never been greater. 

Perhaps the biggest challenge for online instructors is maintaining children’s motivation and keeping their attention. Let’s face it: digital distractions lurk at every corner, from web shows to video games; here’s where music teachers become magical motivators, infusing excitement by incorporating popular songs, creating fun activities, and inviting parents to join the musical journey. 

The instructors at Jammin With You know and feel when there’s a connection with a motivated child. We tailor our programs and content to be fun and engaging, not a chore. We also work to match the right instructor to the child’s age and personality so that they can get the most out of their experiences with us. If something needs to be changed/adapted for the good of the instructor and student, we make sure it happens. 

Online Music Learning’s Advantages

Now that we’ve discussed some of the hurdles of online learning, we cannot ignore the benefits that most parents can appreciate.  

  • Online music lessons offer flexibility and convenience. Parents do not need to worry about transportation for their kids to attend lessons in person, and they can also have more flexibility regarding the time of day the lessons can occur. 

  • Unlike the old days of being limited to whoever the local music teacher was in the area, now parents can choose from a variety of teachers with different strengths, skill sets, and focuses. 

  • Kids today can have a multi-media approach to music education. Everything imaginable that is music-centric is at their fingertips. They can watch videos, use a whiteboard, play interactive games, find visual aids, and search for almost any song with a few clicks.

  • It’s a virtual gateway to learning video production, which has become a cornerstone of the arts today. Having these skills opens endless opportunities, whether music-focused or not. 

Parents and Kids Excelling With the Digital Age

Parents play a crucial role in orchestrating the success of their children’s online music lessons. To help their children succeed with virtual lessons, they can support them by:

  1. Providing a quiet and dedicated space for practice and quality musical equipment. All kids need the right space and tools to practice; this is foundational for setting them up for success and is step #1 in any child’s musical journey. 

  2. Fostering consistency and encouraging regular practice. Getting the practice time in each day will lead to remarkable progress and boost your child’s confidence in their musical abilities. Without practice, the “spark” of musical inspiration is nearly impossible to find.

  3. Showing interest! It’s so important to monitor your child’s progress, ask questions, and attend all recitals. If your child feels what they are achieving is unappreciated, they’ll likely lose interest themselves, and this is a path that no instructor at Jammin With You wants to see. 

While teaching music online to children may present challenges, there’s plenty of opportunity. Online music lessons can be beautiful crescendos of discovery and progress with the right tools, resources, and teaching methods. 

Reach out today to learn more about our online classes!

Music Edutainment? What’s Edutainment!?

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Music 101.

Learning doesn’t need to be a boring, laborious, and unrelatable task for kids. It can be a delightful environment filled with laughter, music, fun, excitement, and endless discoveries. Step into the enchanting realm of edutainment! 

While not a physical destination, “edutainment” is the fusion of education and entertainment designed to transform learning into an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

When it’s done well, kids won’t feel like they’re being lectured to but are actively engaged in learning because it’s a fun experience. 

Overview of Edutainment: Unveiling the World of Fun Learning

Edutainment has been around for decades, if not hundreds of years. There have always been kind teachers who could relate to children and infuse joy, fun, and entertainment into childhood education, but the term “edutainment” wasn’t coined until the 1990s. Walt Disney and some of their childhood programming from the 50s and 60s are considered some of the first nationally syndicated edutainment. 

Edutainment takes various forms inside and outside classrooms, utilizing media, games, toys, and experiences to create a fun environment for kids to learn.

The Demand for Positive Learning Experiences

Today, parents are more conscious than ever about the content their children absorb. The shift is evident, with families actively seeking education that provides an uplifting and positive influence for their little ones. Parents are making informed decisions to ensure a better learning experience for their children compared to previous generations – If a learning strategy or program isn’t working, why repeat it over and over again when there are more options available?

Check Out Our List Of Five Fun Songs For Kids!

Music Edutainment 

At JWY, we take the concept of edutainment to the next level by asking, “Why not infuse music with it as well?” We believe music is not just an art form; it’s a language that resonates with children of all ages. That’s why our approach to music education goes beyond the traditional.
Through these interactive experiences, learning music with JWY becomes a dynamic and enjoyable journey. We’re not doing our jobs right if the kids aren’t simultaneously having fun and learning – which is why music edutainment is a core philosophy of how we teach our students. 

Whether it’s learning the ABCs, reading music scales, or just how to move, grove, and wiggle like a wiggle worm, we’re always striving to make music a fun learning experience for kids of all ages.

Edutainment is Here to Stay

When it comes to music edutainment, we like to consider ourselves the frontrunner for positive learning experiences in Greater Boston and online! From group music classes and group singing lessons to private music lessons, musical edutainment comes in different forms, but education and entertainment will always work in tandem at Jammin With You!

Whether you’re wondering what age to start piano lessons or considering guitar lessons for your kids – get in touch with us today to learn more about our programs.

Music Mentors: The Value of 1-On-1 Learning

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Music 101.

The world of music is vast, exciting, and often intimidating. But learning with the guidance of the right music mentor can make all the difference in the world to would-be musicians. 

 At Jammin With You, we firmly believe that getting the right music mentor at a young age can make a night-and-day impact on a child’s willingness to learn and continue developing their musical appetites.

The Importance of Music Mentors

Enrolling a child in music classes goes beyond the acquisition of musical skills. It’s about fostering a lifelong love for the arts and creating a positive, musical connection that lasts a lifetime. Our mission at Jammin With You is to provide entertaining, modern, and high-quality music education to children so they have positive connections to music. We don’t want learning an instrument to be a chore. We strongly believe that music unites all people, transcending age, race, gender, or background, which is why the positive association with the learning process is critical to keeping the spark alive. 

Music teachers are not just instructors; they are mentors who play an active role in helping kids develop a passion outside of the classroom. The skills learned in music classes extend far beyond the notes on a sheet—they boost confidence, help children feel good about themselves, and open the doors to fun and fulfilling life pursuits.

Breaking Barriers with Equality

Proactive conversations, especially with our children, are needed more than ever. Music mentors play a role in shaping not just musical abilities but also guiding young minds through life’s complexities. As a universal language, music should be accessible to everyone, regardless of arbitrary physical features. We stand united with our friends, teachers, and students of every race and nationality. Connecting children with the right mentors can help foster an appreciation for the human condition all around the globe, and it can start through the unifying power of music. 

The Ripple Effect of a Mentor’s Influence

Having the right mentor can make all the difference regarding a child’s willingness to stick with music. The impact is not just on their musical journey but resonates throughout their entire lives. It’s about instilling a love for creativity, perseverance, and the joy of self-expression.

So, parents, guardians, and music enthusiasts, if you’re wondering about the right age to start piano lessons, considering private music classes for kids, or wish to book guitar lessons for your kids, look no further! The world of music is waiting to be explored, and with the right mentor, your child can unlock a world of possibilities!

Book a lesson today.

Music Teachers – Sourcing the Right Educator for Your Child

Written by Dan Cropper on . Posted in Music 101.

Are you a parent pondering when to introduce your little one(s) to the world of music? Or are you an adult who regrets giving up on those childhood piano lessons? Or, worst of all, do you remember having a terrible experience with a not-so-friendly music teacher when you were a kid?

Fear not; the world of music education has evolved. It doesn’t need to be a chore or an extracurricular for the sake of schedule-filling. Jammin With You has made music classes more fun, exciting, and personalized than ever before, thanks to our incredible instructors!

In the past, music teachers were often portrayed as stern taskmasters, wielding their metronomes like a scepter of doom. The emphasis was on discipline, practice, and perfection. While this archetype may have been overemphasized, there has been a cultural shift in how parents get their kids to want to learn an instrument. Jammin’ With You is at the forefront of this fun re-imagining, and we’re here to tell you why it’s never been a better time to start your kids on the path to loving music. 

Music is a Fun and Fulfilling Hobby, Not Just an Obligation

At Jammin’ With You, we firmly believe that learning music should be an incredibly rewarding experience. Gone are the days when kids were forced to practice for hours without a hint of fun or enjoyment. Instead, we prioritize making music a fun and fulfilling hobby that lasts their entire lives. Now, don’t think we don’t support/require dedication and practice, but our goal is to set the inertia in motion and let the kids discover their passion for learning music, not force it on them. 

Our instructors at Jammin’ With You understand the significance of enjoyment in music education. We know that when kids have a blast learning to play an instrument, they are more likely to stick with it. Music isn’t about duty but passion, expression, and feeling good about oneself!

Matching Music Teachers to Kids – It’s Not Just About Scheduling!

One of the most distinguishing features of Jammin’ With You’s approach to music education is our careful instructor-matching process. We don’t just pair instructors with students based on scheduling convenience; we match them based on personality and teaching style! It’s like the ultimate buddy system for music lovers!

Imagine your child being taught by an instructor who shares their interests, communicates in a way that resonates with them, and, most importantly, makes learning music a memorable adventure; this personalized approach accelerates musical growth and helps boost their confidence and self-esteem.

The Jammin’ With You Difference – Why Our Music Teachers Stand Out

You might be wondering what sets Jammin’ With You apart from the music teachers of the past. Well, let’s break it down for you!

  • No More Fear-Driven Practice Sessions – With our engaging and enthusiastic instructors, your kids won’t be groaning about practice time. Instead, they’ll be excited to pick up their instruments and jam!

  • Learning Through Play – We believe in incorporating games and creative exercises into our lessons. After all, who said learning can’t be playful?

  • Tailored to Your Child’s Personality – Our instructors adapt to your child’s unique learning style and preferences. It’s like having a music mentor who gets them!

  • Supportive and Encouraging Atmosphere – Jammin’ With You instructors create a familial atmosphere where your child feels safe to explore their musical talents. Mistakes are celebrated as opportunities to learn and grow.

  • Online Options for Convenience – We understand the need for flexibility in today’s fast-paced world. That’s why we offer online music lessons, too!

Music Teachers – Let’s Start Building Their Talents

So, when should you start piano lessons or explore other music classes for babies? The answer is simple: whenever you and your child are ready to embark on this exciting musical journey!

Music education is no longer about rigid routines and stern instructors. Jammin’ With You’s music classes for kids are all about making music an integral, fun, and enjoyable part of their lives. Whether it’s piano, guitar, or any other instrument, we’re here to help your child nurture their musical talents while having a blast. 

Join us, and let’s make music together, the Jammin’ With You way – because every child deserves a harmonious, happy, and melodious childhood.

Get in touch today!🎵🎸🎹