Nurturing Your Child’s Love Of Music is easier than you think!
When our children are young, our attention as parents is focused on developmental milestones. Things like walking, talking, or learning to eat without choking.
As they enter toddlerhood, they begin to explore learning colors, letters, and numbers.
We see their knowledge of the basics expanding, and their personalities and interests begin to take on definition.
Many of these interests will mimic what they see their parents enjoying. If we like to watch football or enjoy specific television programs, our children may also show an affinity for these.
Music is one of the universal parts of human life; every culture has its unique take on music.
The enjoyment of music has a profound effect on children as they grow and learn, and nurturing that love, and possible talent, from an early age, is very important.
Discovering the world of music
Our children’s earliest experience with music will most likely be in the soft songs used to soothe them to sleep or calm them when upset.
As they grow older and are exposed to recorded music and the sounds of live instruments. They will naturally be attracted to certain sounds and styles more than others.
These may not match our tastes; many rock-and-roll moms or dads have a country, music-loving son or rhythm-and-blues-loving daughter.
The critical thing to remember as children take an interest in music and explore being musical is that you are trying to nurture their love for music, not their love for your music.
When children start to show an interest in making music, introducing them to instruments and the basics of making music may begin.
Mom and dad can easily assist their children in learning to read sheet music or tap out a simple tune on a piano or keyboard.
When To Start Music Lessons:
When you discover your child is interested in learning more about music it’s time for formal music lessons.
Piano and violin are the most common instruments on which young musicians begin, especially very young ones.
However, you must consider your child’s age and the likelihood that they will want to practice.
Forcing a child to take lessons and play an instrument they no longer enjoy will negatively affect their appreciation of and making music.
Your child’s first experience of learning to play an instrument or sing may be at school.
Building homemade instruments and singing traditional children’s songs are a major part of early childhood education in preschool and kindergarten.
Most grade schools also have music programs of some sort that include a general music class.
Children may learn about the history and culture of music worldwide throughout the centuries.
Music lessons that teach your children the basics of standard marching and concert instruments such as the clarinet, flute, or trumpet.
Most schools also have a band or orchestra open for students with essential skills to join, as well as a chorus or choir for eager young singers.
Nurturing your young child’s enjoyment of music
The positive effects of music on children’s growth are astounding. Music can teach us about discipline, diversity, and about collaboration.
Did you know that music education also profoundly affects our ability to process sound?
Studies at the Auditory Neuroscience Lab at Northwestern University have revealed that as little as one year of musical training can improve our ability to hear and remember sounds.
Nurturing your child’s love for music means listening to all kinds of music, from rock and reggae country to classical and everything in between.
Do not forget opera and musicals; these feature songs that tell stories as hallmarks, as do many children’s movies.
Encourage them to sing and dance to express feelings, answer questions, and tell stories. Additionally, make music a part of family life, whether playing instruments together, singing songs, or seeing regular musical performances.
Music is one of the universal areas in which children will demonstrate interest. Some of the earliest memories that many of us have are musical. We remember our parents singing or hearing certain songs on the radio.
Taking an interest in music and its creation can positively affect your child. It can provide an outlet for creative and personal expression.