I think it is fair to say that most parents will do virtually anything for their children. As adults we don’t want our kids to miss out on the opportunities that we missed as kids. Also family sizes don’t tend to be as large these days so there is more time and money to put into their education also. I say education in the broad sense of the word here as a new trend is emerging where more and more families are taking off for 3 or 6 months to see their country (or another) and appreciate the ‘real world’.  I wish that trend happened when I was young. What a great way to learn!

For 30 years information has been released of literally thousands of studies that have proven time and time again that learning music from a young age accelerates brain activity. It utilizes both sides of the brain and develops co-ordination in a specific way. These studies have shown that students perform up to 30% better than other students of similar mentality in many other subjects at  school. In light of this I have noticed that more and more kids are learning music in their primary school years. Certainly in the schools that I am involved with there are very few grade 6 students that I haven’t had something to do with at some stage.

It is fantastic to see that parents are really supporting their children to get involved in music and given that music is often delivered at the school itself, the pressure is taken away from parents to move the kids around after hours. It adds up in many ways. The bottom line is this:

1. Music is fun.
2. Kids love fun.
3. Parents love their kids to have fun.
4. Music offers a unique experience. Therefore…
5. Kids become students of music. And…
6. Big kids (adults) now have opportunities to join in on the fun using the internet.

Whilst it is commonly believed that kids pick music up quicker than adults I believe that adults comprehend learning methods and certain understandings quicker than children. This is simply because of the life experience factor. Adults are more understanding that:

1. Learning requires commitment.
2. Mistakes are simply that; mis-takes. Adults tend to have developed greater patience.
3. Life experience is a valuable asset when learning music.
4. A student needs to participate in the direction that they are going so as to remain focused on their goal.

Adults are also able to sustain their practice sessions for longer periods of time however adults are also much more likely to get caught up in work commitments unwittingly let life get in the way. Herein lies the great modern opportunity for adults. They can learn online, for little expense, in their own time. It is really the ideal model for working adults to become a ‘kid again’.