When children draw, color, or paint, we put it up for display. Period.
We don't check that the technique was perfect. We don't care what the colors are. We don't have high standards.
Heck, we don't even care if it really looks like a cow.
What matters is, it's displayed. And kids can be proud of their creativity.
Somewhere along the line, we lost this in music.
Traditional student recitals are associated with high levels of preparation. Traditional student recitals are very formal. And traditional student recitals stress kids out.
It would be like waiting to display children's art when it's "perfect."
In fact, many students in traditional settings stop lessons because they never made it to "ready for a recital."
It's okay if the tunes are simple. It's okay if the music isn't perfect.
Works in progress should be welcomed. And every student should play the first song they learn for an audience as soon as possible.
None of this, "They'll need a year before they're ready for their first recital."
When we treat music with the same excitement, openness, and creativity as children's arts, crafts, drawings, and paintings, that's when they're allowed to experience the real joy music has to offer.
Amen!!!!! This goes for adults, too??!!