This topic is close to my heart because there's nothing our family enjoys together more than music. While there may be things I'd do differently if I could go back and raise my kids again, this is one thing I'm so thankful for - the family connection to music we established early on.
Even if your child doesn't become a professional musician or even learn to play an instrument, cultivating an appreciation for and enjoyment of music is so beneficial. Music has the power to enrich lives, boost creativity, positively impact mental health, and enhance cognitive development. Let’s explore some ways homeschooling families can cultivate a deep and lifelong appreciation for music in their children.
Create a Musical Environment
The first step in fostering a love for music is to make it an integral part of your home environment. Play music throughout the day, from classical compositions to contemporary tunes. Variety is key! Expose your children to a diverse range of genres, helping them develop a well-rounded musical taste. Be mindful of the lyrics in songs and the messages they carry. In our home, we focused on classical music, jazz and big band, contemporary worship music, a little bluegrass, and high-quality popular music with positive and age-appropriate messages. Our kids enjoyed it all!
Encourage Active Listening
Passive listening is a common habit, but active listening can deepen a child's connection to music. Discuss the music you play, ask questions, and encourage your children to express their thoughts and feelings about what they hear. Analyzing lyrics, melodies, and rhythms can spark engaging conversations and increase their appreciation for music's complexity. And there’s no better form of active music listening than movement! Enjoy moving together while music plays. One of our family favorites was to listen to Camille Saint-Saens’s Carnival of the Animals and move like the animals it depicts. So much fun!
Introduce Musical Instruments
Hands-on experience with musical instruments is a fantastic way to foster a love for music. Start with simple instruments like the rhythm instruments you can buy in a set for children. Then, move to a piano or keyboard, a recorder, or a xylophone. As your child's interest grows, you can progress to other instruments. Encourage regular practice and consider enrolling them in music lessons if they show an inclination.
Attend Concerts and Performances
Experiencing music live can be a transformative experience. Check local listings for orchestra concerts (some are specifically programmed for children), rock and jazz performances, ballets with live orchestras, musical theatre performances, and top-notch worship events. Even small, free, local events can offer fantastic opportunities for your children to witness the magic of music in person.
Explore Music History and Theory
Take your homeschooling curriculum to the next level by incorporating music history and theory. Some composers have had extraordinary lives! Explore their stories, the evolution of different musical genres, and the science behind sound. The more you learn, the more you all will likely appreciate the magic of music. There are many resources and educational materials available for teaching these subjects.
Embrace Creativity
Encourage your children to compose their own music or write lyrics. Provide them with tools and resources to experiment with music production software, or simply give them access to recording devices to document their musical creations. Hold live family performances and encourage your children’s efforts with affirmation and celebration. This hands-on experience can ignite their creativity and passion for music.
Join a Choir or Music Group
Participating in a choir, band, or music group can be an enriching social experience for homeschooling children. It allows them to collaborate with peers and develop their musical skills in a supportive environment. Many communities have homeschool-specific music groups that offer a welcoming atmosphere for young musicians. But think outside the homeschool box as well! These groups can be a great way to engage with your community, meet people outside your regular circle, and connect with others who share your children’s interests.
Make Music Part of Everyday Life
Integrate music into your daily routine. Use songs to make learning fun and more memorable, create custom playlists for different activities, seasons, and occasions, and incorporate music into art, literature, and history lessons. The more naturally music becomes part of your child's life, the deeper their love for it will grow.
Nurturing a love for music in homeschooling families can bring joy, creativity, and enrichment to your child's life. By creating a musical environment, encouraging active listening, providing hands-on experience, and exploring music history and theory, you can help your children develop a deep and lasting appreciation for the world of music. So, turn up the volume and enjoy this musical adventure together!
Xo,
Christie
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