Recreational Music Making (RMM)

I recently became aware of a growing movement called "Recreational Music Making," or RMM for short. The idea behind this movement is that making music is something everyone can enjoy and instead of pressuring students to perform increasingly difficult pieces the teacher's job is to create a supportive and fun learning environment. Instead of traditional private lessons, most recreational music making students participate in classes. This might seem counter-intuitive, as private lessons allow for more focused interactions between the teacher and the student, but a group lesson has the advantage of peer support. Students feel like they are a part of something, and music lessons become a time for socializing and enjoyment instead of performance and pressure.

The idea of recreational music making intrigues me because I have definitely pursued some non-traditional paths in my own studies and with my own students. Traditional music methods are judged more on their ability to teach skills (for example, playing in all keys) than on student enjoyment. In other words, while music publishers recognize the need for good content they are constrained by a rigid framework that emphasizes increasing virtuosity. While the path of classical study and virtuosity is traveled by many, there are others whose needs simply aren't being met by more traditional approaches. I have taught several students whose interests or abilities do not fit into traditional molds, and I've developed more customized programs for these students to address their needs. These programs involve the use of chords, the inclusion of more popular music and improvisation. Instead of "one size fits all" piano lessons, I like the idea of giving students more options. The idea of playing a musical instrument is one that many people dream about but few successfully pursue. Recreational Music Making, with its focus on enjoyment rather than achievement, has the potential to attract students who might not otherwise learn to play, or for whom traditional music lessons were a less-than-satisfying experience.

For those looking to pursue recreational music making as students or teachers, Brenda Dillon offers several recreational music making books:

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Piano Fun for Adult Beginners (Recreational Music Making for Private or Group Instruction). For Piano/Keyboard. Educational Piano Library. Softcover with CD. 72 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.296807).

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Piano Fun - Pop Hits for Adult Beginners Arranged by Brenda Dillon. For Piano/Keyboard. Educational Piano Library. Softcover with CD. 40 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.296897).

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Piano Fun - Romantic Hits for Adult Beginners Arranged by Brenda Dillon. For Piano/Keyboard. Educational Piano Library. Softcover Audio Online. 56 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.130918).

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Piano Fun - Christmas Hits for Adult Beginners Arranged by Brenda Dillon. For Piano/Keyboard. Educational Piano Library. Softcover with CD. 48 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.120871).

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The Recreational Music Making Handbook (A Piano Teacher's Guide). Composed by Brian Chung and Brenda Dillon. For Piano. Reference Textbooks; Textbook - Piano. Book. 52 pages. Published by Alfred Music (AP.32783).

Five Ways to Support Your Child's Music Education

Like most music teachers, I have a large number of young students. Over the years I've watched with interest to see what works and what doesn't, both in my own teaching and also in the way parents encourage and support their children's musical education. As a father of three young musicians myself I know some of the challenges parents face as they endeavor to encourage effective practice and keep their kids interested. Here are 5 ways I've discovered to more effectively lead children along the path to musical success and enjoyment:

1. Make sure it's about them, not you. Whether you are a top-notch musician yourself, have never played an instrument or quit lessons as a child after only a few years of taking them, do not attempt to live vicariously through your children and do not place the burden of resolving your issues or achieving your dreams on them. Let them be themselves, and understand that learning to play an instrument isn't necessary for health or happiness or success in life. Although it can certainly contribute to all three.
2. Be involved. There are a number of approaches parents can take when choosing their level of involvement in lessons. I have some parents who sit and watch every lesson in its entirety every week. Other parents have almost no interaction with me. The right balance will vary from student to student, but I love it when parents ask me questions about what their kids are practicing, how they're doing and how they as parents can help. I love being able to talk about different teaching approaches and learn from parents what is and isn't working. I also love to hear honest feedback about how easy or difficult it is to get children to practice and whether or not they are enjoying their lessons. It takes the guesswork out of my job.
3. Be understanding. Some parents and teachers take a very militaristic approach to music lessons. While the choice of music teachers and the tone at home is entirely the parent's domain, I do not subscribe to the theory that misery now leads to joy later. There's a time to push and there's a time to punish, but those should be the exceptions and not the rule. If a child is resisting practice, a small change may be all that is needed. Perhaps a different time of day, a different learning method, better songs or some kind of reward system could make the difference. If these approaches continue to meet with resistance, talk with the teacher and see what other options are available. As a last resort, consider changing teachers or instruments before giving up on music altogether.
4. Be an example. If you play, play often and let your children hear you. If you don't play, consider taking lessons right along with them. Your example is far more powerful than your words, and it's never too late to learn.
5. Fill their lives with music. Taking your children to concerts lets them see what music study can do for them. Listening to great music helps them develop a good ear. Being exposed to a variety of genres allows them to choose their own path. Whether or not your children become professional musicians, they will experience lifelong benefits from the music education you've provided.