Try to attend your child's first lessons.

Leaning to play a musical instrument can be a very important part of a child's education and life, not only for the joy and confidence that music brings, but also because kids who learn music often do better in other school subjects. But a parent's involvement in musical education doesn't end with buying an instrument and signing up for lessons; you'll need to know how best to encourage your child and nurture his or her developing talent.

Larry Newman is Director of the Children's Music Workshop, an organization providing quality instrumental music instruction to public and private schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area. He is also a professional trumpet player, and here offers insights and advice for parents of young music students:

• Let your kids explore music.
  According to Newman, the first year a child plays an instrument is an exploratory year. The goal of the music educator is not to quickly turn a child into a virtuoso, but to help instill a love of music.
  
• Try group lessons.
  Newman finds that most kids do better in group lessons because they like the social interaction.
  
• Show up for lessons.
  Parents should try to attend a child's first few music lessons. Knowing what's going on in the class will allow you to better help your young music student at home.
  
• Help kids learn the basics.
  Learning the fundamentals is very important. Violin students, for example, will need to learn to hold the bow correctly and develop proper posture.
  
• Stay connected.
  One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to stay in touch with your child's instructor. You may find that email is the easiest way to do this.
  
• Keep the instrument handy.
  Children can get really attached to their instrument. It's important for parents to leave the instrument out, rather than storing it away, so that the child can always have access to it.
  
• Don't make practice a chore.
  In the first year of study, don't force practice. Instead offer encouragement and show that you're interested in how your son or daughter is doing. When you're folding laundry or doing paperwork, for example, have your child perform a mini concert of songs he or she is learning.
  
• Look for a love of music.
  Don't expect flawless play from your young musician. The clearest indication that child is successful in music education is that he or she will show love and enthusiasm for the music.

For more information about kids and music, check out the following organizations or websites:

Children's Music Workshop
www.childrensmusicworkshop.com

Masters School of Music
www.mastersschoolofmusic.com

VH1 Save The music Foundation
www.vh1.com/partners/save_the_music