Want to raise a family of music enthusiasts? Dream of sharing your favorite songs with your children and watching them perform someday? A love and appreciation for music is an amazing gift to give your child, and it’s easier than you might think. We can’t promise you’ll become the modern version of the Von Trapp Family Singers, but you will find your home filled with music, love, and learning.
Step One: Start small, when they’re small: Introducing your child to music is as simple as singing a song. Young kids may not be ready for formal music lessons, but they’re always ready to learn, especially from their first and favorite teacher—you. So sing and splash together during bath time, choose a favorite lullaby to sing every night before bed, and turn up the music and sing along to silly songs in the car. You’re not only creating lifelong memories with your child, you’re teaching them to understand music as a way of connecting to the people they love, and that’s a lesson that lasts long after the baby and toddler years end.
Step Two: Move! Yes, we mean dance parties in the kitchen, clapping along to music during family movie night, or even just rocking back and forth while you sing a little one to sleep. Children are kinesthetic learners—their brains need movement to create the neurological “learning” pathways associated with developing long-term skills. Remember, adding movement
to music is as easy as teaching your toddler the actions to “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider,” or letting your beginner violinist pace around the living room while practicing.
Step Three: Lead by Example: If you play an instrument or participate in vocal performance, let your child see you learning a new song, practicing challenging techniques, or rehearsing and performing with your local choir. Not a musician? Take your child to see other people perform, especially friends and family. Let them see music as a part of everyday life, and they’ll be more willing to follow your lead when it comes to taking lessons and practicing in the future. You can start fostering a love of music from the day you bring your new addition home all the
way through adulthood. And when it’s time to start formal music lessons, we’ll be ready to help your child take the next step in their music education, even if we leave the in-car dance parties up to you.
