3 Ways to develop a Child’s Appreciation of Music

Every wondered how to help develop or enhance a kid’s appreciation of music? Here’s how!

1. Exposure through Live Concerts

Regardless of age, nothing compares to the experience of seeing music performed live. A child’s musical and behavioural development can benefit greatly from exposure to a variety of live musical performances. 

Where to start? 

Matinee or early evening performances at your city’s premier concert hall are a great place to start. Take them to a variety of symphonic, chamber, jazz, operatic, ballet or other age-appropriate performances. I recommend checking your city’s major concert venue for matinee (daytime) performances. Some symphonic programs even have interactive daytime concerts specifically designed for children!

Read the Concert Program with them

Read through some of the concert program with them and choose a few important points of information to discuss with them briefly. This will encourage active listening by preparing them for what they will be hearing, in turn making the experience more interesting. For example: 

Who is the composer? 

What is the style of music and period? 

What will the movement or piece they are hearing sound like? Will it be Allegro (fast) or will it be Adagio (slow)? Upbeat or a slow ballad?

Read out a point or two of what to listen for in each movement as listed in the concert program. The key is to spark some curiosity about what they’ll be hearing in the music.

Make it Fun! - Bring (or buy) some chocolate or a quiet-to-eat snack for intermission

Why not make it a fun seasonal outing with some delicious snacks or a treat during intermission? Remember if any snacks are occasionally nibbled on during a concert they should not be noisy food such as potato chips as it would cause a disturbance to fellow audience members. They will need to learn sit quietly and behave for extended periods during the concert as a matter of respect to the performers and paying audience. How about taking them out for a delicious hot chocolate after the concert so they associate going to concerts with a fun outing? My mother did this and it always helped me to look forward to seeing a concert, even if it was a composer like Sibelius on the performance program! My sister and I used to snack on Maltesers or a stick of Toblerone which we were allowed to quietly nibble on from time to time during the concert.

2. Exposure through playing a Variety of Quality Music in your Home 

While the kids are playing at home be sure to play a variety of quality music in the background. Surprisingly even if they are only passively listening this helps them to developing their musical ears. This will also greatly benefit those learning an instrument.

Encourage active listening skills at home from time to time

Encourage listening skills at the times when the child is curious or actively listening to the music being played. Keep it light and inquisitive. What instruments are they hearing? Where is this piece from? This is where playing music from around the world can get really interesting! 

Make the music meaningful by connecting what they hear to some (light) exploration and analysis. Encourage them to describe what they hear as it’s another useful way to help them develop their active listening skills. What instruments do they hear? What does it ‘sound’ like? How does the music make them feel? Follow a child’s lead with their particular musical interests, but do be sure to find a balance by exposing them to a variety of art music which will expand their musical ears. The nurturing of active listening skills always pays off later on for young listeners.

3. Enroll them in private music lessons

Private music lessons are the final, most important piece of the puzzle to develop a child’s appreciation of music. A child’s appreciation of music is best developed though the combination of concert attendance (encouraged active listening), playing quality music at home while they are playing (passive listening) and learning an instrument (interactive learning).

At Sunshine music lessons we offer both preschool and immersive small classes for children aged 5 and under. Our upbeat and explorative approach to music lessons is what makes our teaching method the most effective. As stated in our previous post, a collaborative approach between student, teacher and parent is the ultimate recipe for maximizing a student’s enjoyment, progress and appreciation of music. Contact us on our website experience your first lesson with Sunshine Music Lessons at www.sunshinemusiclessons.com.au