Fun With Music

What is conjured when you hear that word? Rock and Roll, Country, Latin, Hip Hop, Rap, Blues, Jazz, Oldies? (I know it depends on your age)

My parents taught that music was a form of expression. I truly believe that. Music in my house was a staple just as food was. We lived music, drank music and ate music. Musicals were a hot item. We saw almost every musical released. Ray Conniff Orchestra and Singers were the only tunes that flowed from my mother's music box. And yes, I was forced to play the piano at an early age. Oh, how I hated those early mornings of practicing the repetitious scales, up and down, up and down, up and down. Louder then softer, then louder then softer. ARRGGHH! Sometimes I'd pound so loudly my mother would ask me to quit playing for the morning. Of course, she caught on soon to what I was doing and stopped asking me to be quiet. She'd just let me pound. Over the years I found that all the practice paid off when I was able to accompany my school choirs. It was great! Now in my later years, I appreciate those years of toil and strife that my parents made me suffer through. Oooh, just thinking of those once a week piano lessons and monthly recital's that I just hated brings a chill down my back. I would get so nervous my heart would pound and my fingers would turn to icicles as I played the keys and tried not to stumble with frozen fingers. Not only was the piano an important aspect, but the voice was also. I had the voice lessons which I thoroughly loved much more than playing the piano. Vocals came more naturally for me.

So now as a parent I want my children to enjoy music. But more importantly I want them to know what music can add to their life. I realize how much those years of "practice" helped me to grow into an individual who can stand in front of a crowd and not freak out. I can actually accompany someone without feeling nervous or feeling like I'm just going to die.

Your children watch you. You are their example, whether you like it or not. They are watching your every step. You can't say "do as I say, not as I do." You have to say "do as I say AND as I do." You have to do it along with them. Help them practice, help them learn the music. Do it with them.

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