Playing along with music is one good method to practice virtually any musical instrument. Playing with music helps train the ear for correct intonation. If you are listening while your child is playing you can alert them if they are out of tune on a certain note. As your child progresses they will most likely be able to hear the differences themselves. However it can be frustrating sometimes, trying to keep up or concentrate on the sheet music and keep pace at the same time.
There is a product out there that can help. It is a software program called Amazing Slow Downer and it has made my life much less stressful when helping my children with their music practice. This software allows you to slow down or speed up for that matter any song that you have in your digital library. Having your child’s s exact song in your digital library can be a challenge. If anyone knows a good destination to purchase digital music that is played in schools I would love to hear about it.
The cost of the program is $49.95 and you can get it instantly at their website www.ronimusic.com. I would say this software or something similar is essential if your child is just starting out. Many of the teaching music books available include a compact disk that you can import into your library and then play along at whatever speed you or your child is comfortable with. I would highly recommend that you have a set of speakers where you can raise the volume high enough so that you can actually hear the music over the playing.
Playing a musical instrument can be very frustrating when first starting out but using a program like Amazing Slow Downer can definitely ease the frustration. It also can provide you with means to get involved in your child’s practice and help them develop their playing ability. The more you can incorporate yourself into your musical realm the more likely they will stick with it and excel. You may also be surprised how it will add another positive dimension to your relationship with them.
