11. Developing Young Musicians
To keep your young musicians motivated, you need to keep the challenges flowing, so that there’s always something new for them to try, and standards to aim to achieve.
Recognising their progression publicly will boost their self-esteem and encourage them to value what they are doing and want to continue.
Keep it fresh and moving forward
Young people can learn quickly, and you need to be ready to keep the challenges coming. Don’t play it too safe by sticking with the same simple diet of familiar music over and over, but combine the known with the new and set the bar where they will enjoy aiming for it. You may be surprised at how quickly they will advance.
Support core skills
Make sure your young musicians are underpinned, as they learn new music, by core skills, technique and knowledge. Incorporate the learning and development of these into the body of your rehearsals. For example, as you rehearse pieces, encourage children to adopt good playing or singing posture, singers to breath well and support their breath.
Grow musical knowledge
If your musical tradition relies on reading printed music, then ensure that you are equipping your young people with this skill. Teach them from printed music right from the start – don’t resort to words only. Encourage them to follow notes up and down the stave, and regularly ask them to identify note lengths, dynamic markings and the like. By constant repetition within the natural flow of rehearsal, your young people will quickly pick up enough of the ‘secret code’ of music to make good use of it. Conversely, if your music group plays or sings largely from ear, or relies on improvised elements, then do all you can to pass on those skills.
Voice for Life
Make full use of the RSCM’s Voice for Life scheme. Become familiar with its content, and regularly work elements into your own rehearsals. Encourage your young singers to continue their development outside of rehearsals, either with the printed workbooks or on a tablet or computer with Voice for Life Digital. Recognise your singers’ achievements by awarding local medals or certificates, and enter the most experienced for the RSCM’s National Awards. Affirm their commitment and achievement and encourage others to follow their examples.
More information and resources
For RSCM Members
Guidance Note – Developing Aural Skills
Guidance Note – Developing Beginner Voices
Guidance Note – Embedding Musical Literacy
Guidance Note – Using Young People in Leadership Roles
Guidance Note – Voice for Life
Case Study – Using Voice for Life
Discovering RSCM Singing Awards – RSCM Online Event Recording
Introducing Voice for Life Digital – RSCM Online Event Recording