Providing guidance for parents who want their children to enjoy learning to play a musical instrument, this resource teaches parents the best ways to encourage children's musical talents. Key guidance is provided for the trickiest hurdles of all: helping children learn how to practice and navigating their impulse to quit by encouraging them to take pride in their progress despite the frustrations of the learning process. Commonly taught methods—including Suzuki, Kodaly, Dalcroze training, and the Orff approach—and instrument selection are discussed in detail, as are tips for choosing the right teacher. Up-to-date resources and references for youth orchestras, national and regional organizations, outreach programs, and school advocacy organizations, and supplementary materials for various ages and stages of ability, are provided.

Stephanie Stein Crease is a music journalist with extensive experience in the recording industry. Her previous book, Gil Evans: Out of the Cool, won the 2002 ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, and was nominated for Best Jazz Book by the Jazz Journalists Association. She lives in New York City.