Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

Musical instruction is an integral part of parenting. You might assume that music is mainly transferred to our kids in a formal setting, such as during violin or guitar lessons. However, our kids pick up a vast number of vocal and instrumental influences throughout the day just by listening to the radio or the television. In addition to those effortless mediums, here are four additional ways of getting your kids excited about music.

First, you should take advantage of free or cheap musical performances in your area. My family has enjoyed spending time at the Riverside Plaza, where there are a variety of bands playing on a weekly basis next to the movie theater. We hung out there recently with some friends and had a blast getting to watch the kids dance to some very entertaining rock music.

Additionally, you can check your city's website for listings of upcoming free or inexpensive concerts. For a low cost musical sensation this weekend, check out the host of bands to play at the Beaumont Cherry Festival. The cost for adults is $5 and kids ages 6-11 are only $2. Kids five and under are free. You can check out their website for more information at www.ci.beaumont.ca.us.

A second great way to influence your kids musically is to play a variety of entertaining tunes right there at home. The key is to have fun! Mix it up a little with some elaborate twirls and dance movements as well. If your kids see that music reflects a positive environment, they will be drawn to it. Furthermore, by playing a good variety, your kids will observe musical diversity. In the morning, you might play some energetic rock music to get everyone's blood pumping. Later in the day, while the kids are coloring or reading, you might play some classical music to slow things down a bit. During dinnertime, I love putting on 94.7, The Wave, which is my favorite jazz station.

The third and most traditional approach is observed via formal music lessons, either of a specific instrument or vocally. One way to cut costs with this option is to search your social network for another parent who could trade their musical teaching abilities for something else, such as your language or math skills. Furthermore, you could inquire of a friend's older child who is musically proficient from previous lessons or band exposure at school. They would likely be willing to teach your child for less than a professionally trained individual. If money is not an issue, a variety of private or group lessons should be available locally.

A fourth option is to host a music party at your house. Each friend could bring his or her favorite music selection and you could take turns playing the different pieces. Likewise, each person could bring his or her favorite kid friendly instrument (Little Tykes are great), such as a guitar, the flute, or the bongos. If you belong to a church or a musical organization, you might ask the music leader if he or she could make a surprise visit to your get-together to discuss and even play a few of the instruments. You might even give the moms and dads a turn to sing a few tunes for the kids. Karaoke anyone?

Enlightening your child with a passion for music at an early age will set the stage for a greater appreciation as a young adult. It may influence his or her future hobbies and extracurricular activities throughout the high school and college years as well. Once you play an instrument or choose music for your listening pleasure, the choices are limitless, especially given the variety of musical websites available. For listening to inexpensive music, you can download songs from i-tunes and for pulling free sheet music for your specific instrument, go to 8notes.com.

Labels: kids, music, parents