Music-Entertainment-Jazz-Tunes-and Cultural Events

How to Introduce your Child to the Amazing World of Music

The key to helping your youngster achieve success in playing the piano is to expose them to a wide range of enjoyable 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 large auditorium could be a life changing event.

I can still remember the thrill of seeing my first concert when I was 4 years old. My Mom and Dad took me to see a production of 'Peter And The Wolf '. Sitting between my parents and watching an orchestra for the first time was like looking down onto a different world.

In addition to classical concerts, you can also expose your kids to musicals, jazz, folk music and ballet. The more experiences the better but don't forget to make it fun. The concerts shouldn't be too long or complicated.

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 doesn't have to cost a great deal of money either. Keep an eye out for free concerts being performed by community or student groups. Even international orchestras and dance companies often have special discount concerts for kids.

IDEA 2: Listen To Music In Your Car

Young children are like sponges. They are consistently absorbing information from the world around them. One of the finest methods to help your youngster develop their 'musical ear ' is to play classical music in the car while you go about your routine daily activities.

IDEA 3: Celebrate Achievements

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

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

This is a great way to let your youngster know that that you recognise their hard work and you are happy with what they have achieved.

IDEA 4: Get Your Child To Play At Family Events

Once your youngster has been playing for a while, ask their teacher if they can learn how to play Happy Birthday.

Then next time it is somebody 's birthday, get your child to play the piano while everyone sings. Not only will this be a very special present for the person that is celebrating their birthday, it'll also give your kid a real sense of self confidence and significance.

IDEA 5: Have A Film Night At Home

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

Some of the classic musical pictures include:

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

Remember the secret to making this work isn't really the film. It's the fact that all the family is sitting together with popcorn and a drink and sharing the excitement of the music.

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

Dr. Anthony Fernando is a musician and software developer living in Melbourne Australia. His piano software Piano Is Fun has helped thousands of children and adult beginners around the world to learn how to read music quickly and easily.

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