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Introducing Children to Music

© Diane Marquette

Each of us has definite ideas about our tastes in music. It is a very subjective form of art. Children are exposed to many forms of music, but may not receive a formal introduction to it until they attend their first school. Grandparents and step-grandparents can play an important role in the early acquaintance of music to these children.

During the children’s visits, play music for them often. When you are working in the kitchen or performing some other chore, put on some happy, upbeat music. Choose from Dixieland, Jazz, Rock and Roll, or Country. Use this opportunity to explain what type of music is it, tell them the name of the performer, identify some of the instruments used, and show a picture of the performer if possible.

During mealtime, playing classical music can be soothing and may help to promote a slower pace, which is welcome when dining with small children. Explain that many of these classical compositions are the accompanying music to stories that are taking place within the notes. You can discuss with the children the different types of instruments that they are hearing, and after dinner, you can show them pictures of what the instruments look like. Talk about how the different musical instruments might sound, and get their imaginations working. Describe how a bass, viola, or cello can sound ominous and could mean that something bad may be going to happen; how kettle drums and the clash of cymbals can sound majestic; how the sound of a violin can make them feel sad; and how a flute can sound like a butterfly. There are recordings available that are collections of classical music selected just for children. “Flight of the Bumblebee”, “The William Tell Overture”, and Selections from “The Nutcracker Suite” will make it more fun.

When children are doing some “quiet” activity such as coloring or working on a craft project, they may not notice that you have provided some background music, but they will probably enjoy it. Address their questions about the music if they ask them, but do not force it on them.

Buy or rent videotapes like “Fantasia 2000” and the original “Fantasia”, which combine animation with classical music. The children are fascinated by the “cartoons”, and get exposed to the music without even realizing it.

You can videotape a televised program that shows a symphony orchestra playing. Public television stations often air these shows around the holidays with Christmas music being the focus of the program. If there is an opportunity to take children to see a symphony, do so. There is a small symphony orchestra that performs at a theater near our home a few times a year. On some occasions, the orchestra holds a rehearsal the night before the actual performance, and children over three years of age are encouraged to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity and it’s free. If something like this does not already exist in your community, maybe you could be the one to suggest it.