Music Appreciation: Starting Them Young!

If you want your child to have a love of music it's never to early to start! Just because they are still too young to learn to play an instrument doesn't mean they are too young to appreciate music. Here are some easy ideas to begin to instill a love at a young age.

1. Set the example ~ Listen to music you love while they are around. I realize for those of us with young children it is easy to only listen to "kids" music. I don't know about you, but I can only take so much Row, Row, Row Your Boat and I'm a Little Teapot! Pull out some Mozart or maybe a little bluegrass. Jazz and swing will get your little ones dancing around in a hurry! As long as the lyrics are appropriate introducing various music styles will help them to eventually discover their own favorite.

2. Let them experiment ~ It is tempting to not allow little hand to touch very expensive instruments, and I do not advocate unsupervised playtime. However taking time to show young children how instruments work is another step to show them what joy can be found in music. We have a guitar, piano, flute, and trumpet in our home. All three of our children are allowed to play the piano as long as they are not banging or mistreating the music. We have also allowed them opportunity to try to play the other instruments with careful supervision. Not only is this a great teaching opportunity, it also is a wonderful bonding moment between you and your child!

3. Rhythm Sounds ~ Even if you can't take the sound of wooden spoons on your best saucepan, you can still encourage rhythm! One of the most difficult things to teach a young student is the concept of even beats. Start by encouraging them to clap with songs they love. Show them how by clapping the beat with them. They will quickly pick up on the concept even when you don't explain it. 

4. Sing! Sing! Sing! ~ Your children do not care if you are on key or not, I promise! Singing helps with ear training, or knowing if the note is right or not. Some children naturally hit the correct notes when they hear them sung, other's don't. Here's a little secret: In reality, it doesn't really matter! So maybe they aren't the next singing sensation, who cares? In a world that emphasizes perfection I enjoy the kids who belt out a song off-key without a care. They sing for the joy of singing, not because they are impressing someone. 

5. Performances ~ This one might cost a little money and may not be reasonable for very young children, but the opportunities I've had to take my girls to see concerts and musicals have been priceless. There is something about seeing a live person performing that is simply magical for little kids. Your local high school may provide an inexpensive first concert experience.

 Here are a few tips to keep in mind...

1. Sit towards the back if possible so you can make an easy exit

2. Don't come too early or they will get bored

3. If they get a chance to meet one of the musicians, let them

4. Start teaching appropriate audience behavior

5. Quietly explain about different instruments during the performance

(Just try not to disturb those around you!)

6. Musical Toys and Games~ I do not mean toys that play music. Those can drive you batty! I'm instead referring to toys your children can make music with such as a toy piano, tambourine, maracas, recorder, drum, or harmonica. Let them play and pretend with instruments. We often have a marching band around our home. Yes it can get loud and it will rarely sound like real music, but again, it doesn't matter! Allowing children to express their musical creativity in all their glory will give them a desire to learn those same instruments for real when they're older. There are also many children's games which incorporate music such as musical chairs and ring-around-the-rosy. These simple games are fun and reinforce music in a different way. 

I hope these are some helpful ideas to get you started in music appreciation around the house!