Creating a Music Environment For Your Child
Children spend most of their time at home than at any other places. This is particularly true for kids at preschool age. Even after the kids begin school, home is still the place where they experience most of their experiences. So if you want to start your child on Music lessons, you have to create an environment that is conducive for them, and immerse your home with music.
Actively Listen to Music
Whenever possible, have music playing in the home. It really doesn’t matter what type of music you have. You do not always have to play Mozart’s music in the background though there has been a lot of hype suggesting that Mozart’s music can enhance your child’s intelligence.
Play different genres of music. The key is to actively listen to music. It helps when your child interacts with the music regularly when it is playing in the background. For example, your can start by moving his or her hands and legs to the beat/rhythm of the music.
You can ask your child, even at preschool age, how does the music make them want to move or feel. By asking your child what they are hearing, you are focusing their attention to the music.
Sing with your child
Another way to immerse your child with music is to sing with your child. It doesn’t matter whether you can sing well. You can still sing simple songs. As with many young children, repetition is important. Sing a small number of songs on a regular basis which will inculcate your child to learning basic melodies and rhythms.
I remember when I was a young child, my mum will usually sing nursery rhymes with me, and even though at that time I couldn’t read, she repeated the nursery rhymes repeatedly until I could recite them. We are very lucky now that we have so many quality music available for young kids.
Dance with your child
Dancing with your child is another fun and interactive way to encourage learning about music while spending time together. Music is also about the rhythm and beat, so having the ability to find and move to the beat of music is a basic musical skill.
However, if your child is facing difficulty finding the beat, don’t be discourage. According to research, girls often develop this skill around age 3 which is earlier than boys. Don’t give up, some may still find difficulty into kindergarten.
Make Music Together
As your child gets older, and if they play the piano, you might consider playing a duet with them. If you play an instrument, you might play along with them as they sing. Let the experience the joy of making music.
As a parent, you are a role model, and children watch and learn from your actions. Therefore, what you do is very important.
If you play a musical instrument, regardless of your ability, play it for your child. If you love dancing, dance with your child. If you simply love listening to music, show your child how important listening is by letting them model you. Be involved with your child’s music education. If they learn a musical instrument, be attentive to listen to them play and encourage them.
If your child see how important music is to you, it becomes important to them. Developing a love and respect for music at an early allows your child to connect with and find meaning in music later in life.
Your role is to love music and enjoy music with them.
Music is a universal language, which transcends all understanding. It is one of life’s most meaningful experiences. It should never be forced on a child. If you make music a part of your everyday life and instil this value in your child from a young age, they will continue to explore a relationship with music even when they are older.