How to Support Your Child in Music
- Sing a song! Any song! This is the best thing to do for your child's musical development. Regardless of your skill level, you are the best model for your child and by singing for or with your child, you are modeling an aptitude for music making. Children who have parents who say “I can’t sing” or “I don’t sing” are more likely to have the same attitude for life! Singing is a part of life. We want our children to sing lullabies to their children, and to be able to sing happy birthday to their grandchildren. You don’t have to be an Adele, Aretha Franklin, or a Luciano Pavarotti. Just sing!
- Dust off your CD/Vinyl Collection: This is a great way to start conversations with your kids about the music that you love… What was the first album you ever bought? Was it a CD or Cassette...Vinyl? What was your favorite song in High School?
- Build a Homemade Instrument: Try using recyclable materials to build your own instrument. What can you use to make a drum or a shaker? How about a stringed or wind instrument?
- Have a Dance Party: This is one of our favorite boredom busters at our house. Just have fun dancing to your favorite tunes, or step it up a notch by adding glow sticks/flashlights. You could even play a round of freeze dance!
- Ask: Ask your child about music class. If they respond with a shrug or short answer, try to dig a little deeper.
- Home Recording Studio: These days, you don’t need a whole lot of fancy equipment to record and produce your own songs. The Ipad App Garage Band is a really easy and fun way for kids (and adults too) to experiment with recording. See what you can create on your own or as a family!
- Attend Concerts: For many professional musicians, attending live concerts was the thing that sparked an interest in music making as a career. There are tons of local opportunities (many are free) to hear great musicians. Check local listings to find music events at concert halls, outdoor parks, schools, and colleges!