Developing your child's musical skill
Labels: Extracurricular Activities
Your child's musical skill can make a difference in several areas of his or her life, including education and emotional health.
Most of us like to sing, whistle, or hum from time to time. Even small children enjoy chants, jingles, and poem recitations. Language and music just seem to go together naturally. But even music alone can positively benefit many aspects of a child's life. That is why it is important for parents to help nurture their children's interest in music.
Music can help kids think better. A study showed that high school students who listened to classical music for about ten minutes before a test achieved higher scores than those who did not hear the music. While researchers aren't sure how it works, some believe that the metrical forms of classical composition and performance have an organizational impact on children's minds. Why not put on a little Vivaldi or Bach in the car on occasion, especially during the drive to school? Then check your kids' quiz and exam scores by comparing them to grades earned on non-classic music days.
How about playing some foreign music at dinner? Russian dances or Gypsy folk tunes can awaken your children's interests in different cultures. You might even prepare a few facts about the type of music being played, like its origins or the instruments that are used. It might likewise be interesting to say something about the culture from which the music comes. Your children might be able to pick up a few words of the foreign language by listening to the music more than once.
Take your kids to hear professional musical performances. There are concerts for children or even local bands they might be interested in hearing. As they grow older, try a light opera or a professional touring group to expose the family to various types of musical influence. Don't forget to check out musical performers while on vacation. For example, stop to admire the street musicians and jazz performers in New Orleans. Or point out the subway guitarists in New York. Wherever you go, there is likely to be some local musicians who can add to your children's musical knowledge.
Consider giving your child a few private lessons. Pay a retired music teacher or local performer that you know and trust to come and teach your child something about a particular interest or vocal performance. Even a few weeks of learning chords or practicing finger exercises can leave a permanent impression on young children.
Study music together. Buy used guitars and teach yourselves how to play familiar tunes. Or practice on the piano until your and you can play a duet of Christmas songs. There are many ways to explore and share this fun pastime as a family activity, so keep your eyes on ads for used instruments or inexpensive group lessons.
Keep music available as an entertainment option. Play the radio or walkman during the day. Have some new CD's in the car for your next road trip. Visit the library to borrow musical recordings that you are not yet ready to purchase. Letting the kids listen to a variety of music can help to calm their spirit, keep them smiling, and reinforce an informal learning process. If you try it, you're going to like it!
Most of us like to sing, whistle, or hum from time to time. Even small children enjoy chants, jingles, and poem recitations. Language and music just seem to go together naturally. But even music alone can positively benefit many aspects of a child's life. That is why it is important for parents to help nurture their children's interest in music.
Music can help kids think better. A study showed that high school students who listened to classical music for about ten minutes before a test achieved higher scores than those who did not hear the music. While researchers aren't sure how it works, some believe that the metrical forms of classical composition and performance have an organizational impact on children's minds. Why not put on a little Vivaldi or Bach in the car on occasion, especially during the drive to school? Then check your kids' quiz and exam scores by comparing them to grades earned on non-classic music days.
How about playing some foreign music at dinner? Russian dances or Gypsy folk tunes can awaken your children's interests in different cultures. You might even prepare a few facts about the type of music being played, like its origins or the instruments that are used. It might likewise be interesting to say something about the culture from which the music comes. Your children might be able to pick up a few words of the foreign language by listening to the music more than once.
Take your kids to hear professional musical performances. There are concerts for children or even local bands they might be interested in hearing. As they grow older, try a light opera or a professional touring group to expose the family to various types of musical influence. Don't forget to check out musical performers while on vacation. For example, stop to admire the street musicians and jazz performers in New Orleans. Or point out the subway guitarists in New York. Wherever you go, there is likely to be some local musicians who can add to your children's musical knowledge.
Consider giving your child a few private lessons. Pay a retired music teacher or local performer that you know and trust to come and teach your child something about a particular interest or vocal performance. Even a few weeks of learning chords or practicing finger exercises can leave a permanent impression on young children.
Study music together. Buy used guitars and teach yourselves how to play familiar tunes. Or practice on the piano until your and you can play a duet of Christmas songs. There are many ways to explore and share this fun pastime as a family activity, so keep your eyes on ads for used instruments or inexpensive group lessons.
Keep music available as an entertainment option. Play the radio or walkman during the day. Have some new CD's in the car for your next road trip. Visit the library to borrow musical recordings that you are not yet ready to purchase. Letting the kids listen to a variety of music can help to calm their spirit, keep them smiling, and reinforce an informal learning process. If you try it, you're going to like it!