How To Introduce Your Child To The Amazing World of Music

The key to helping your child succeed in playing the piano is to expose them to a wide range of fun and exciting musical experiences.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:



IDEA #1: Go To Concerts

For a child, the process of getting dressed up and going to see a concert in a professional auditorium can be a life changing event.

I can still remember the thrill of seeing my first concert when I was four years old. My Mom and Dad took me to see a production of ‘Peter And The Wolf’. Sitting between my parents and seeing an orchestra for the first time was like looking down onto a different world.

In addition to classical concerts, expose your children to musicals, jazz, folk music and ballet. The more the better but remember to keep it simple. The concerts shouldn’t be too long or complex.

After each concert, stop off for a snack on the way home and discuss the concert with your child. Ask them what they liked and what they didn’t like.

This does not have to cost you a lot of money either. Keep an eye out for free concerts being performed by community or student groups. Even professional orchestras and dance companies often have special price concerts for children.

Children playing musical instruments in Scotland. Photograph: Murdo Macleod/Murdo Macleod

IDEA #2: Listen To Music In Your Car

Young children are like sponges. They are constantly absorbing information from the world around them. One of the best ways to help your child develop their ‘musical ear’ is to play classical music in the
car while you go about your daily activities.

IDEA #3: Celebrate Achievements

When your child achieves a milestone such as playing at a concert, do something special to celebrate their achievement.

One idea for rewarding your child is to buy them a book and make a little certificate on your computer to paste on the inside cover.

This is a great way to let your child know that that you value their hard work and that you are proud of what they have achieved.

IDEA #4: Get Your Child To Play At Family Events

Once your child has been playing for a little while, ask their teacher if they can learn to play happy birthday.

Then next time it is someone ’s birthday, get your child to play the piano while everyone sings. Not only will this be a very special present for the person who is celebrating their birthday, it will also give your child a real sense of self-confidence and importance.

IDEA #5: Have A Movie Night At Home

Create a fun family event by hiring a musical video or dvd. Buy some microwave popcorn and make a big deal of closing the curtains, bringing out some cushions to sit on and making your lounge room into a mini cinema.

Some of the classic musical movies include:

The Sound Of Music
Mary Poppins
The Wizard Of Oz
Jungle Book

Remember the key to making this work is not really the movie. It is the fact that the whole family is sitting down together with popcorn and a drink and sharing the fun of the music.

I hope these ideas will get your creative juices flowing. Any fun activity which involves music will help your child to develop their sense of musicality and help them to appreciate having music in their life.