7 Ways to Raise a Musical Baby
One of the most wonderful forms of self-expression parents can foster within their children is the ability to play music. Happily, it is possible to get started doing so while baby is still in the womb. Raising a musical child has many advantages -- more so than can be accurately calculated. But just for starters, children who retain music into adulthood say it helps them to be happier, more thoughtful and compassionate individuals, and the world certainly needs more of those, I'm sure you will agree.
You can start your baby off right by doing four simple things before birth.
Sing or hum to yourself and your unborn child. It doesn't matter whether you do so loudly or quietly just as long as you do it often.
Listen to a wide variety of recorded music. Play the radio or a CD when you are in the car and fill your home with sound. Go ahead and play the music you love best but spend some time reaching for other types of music that you don't normally listen to.
As Professor Harold Hill said in The Music Man, "Think music." Listen for music when you are walking and listening to other people talking. You'll soon realize that there is rhythm in the way we walk, cut a loaf of bread or knock on a door and in the sing-song quality of speech.
If you don't already know how to do so, learn to play an instrument. If you've been playing for years, make it a point to play every day. Playing music is a powerful source of prenatal communication. What better way is there to "talk" to your unborn child than with the music that you love?
Once your baby is born, you'll want to continue the four basic steps already outlined and add a few more.
When you play music, place your baby or toddler close to the instrument. Depending on what you play you might place the child under the instrument or on it so he or she can feel the vibrations as you play.
Dance to the music with your baby or toddler in your arms. Let the child feel the music in his body and associate listening to music with the freedom of movement.
As soon as you are willing, enroll your toddler into a music and movement program such as Kindermusik or something similar.
You'll want to avoid a formal music instruction at all costs. It is a little-known truth that our traditional approach does more to stifle natural music abilities than to foster them. After decades in the music business I can safely say that forcing children to read music before they know how to play an instrument is insanity. It's like expecting children to read before they can talk.
Your child may be ready for music lessons when he has reached the age of five or six. At that point, you should be looking for a music instructor who allows your child to play a great deal, long before he learns to read. To find the best instructor, interview several. Select someone you connect with on a personal level. Be certain that this individual plays all sorts of music without needing sheet music and that they are willing to teach a variety of musical styles from the very beginning. A helpful question to ask during your interview is: How large a repertoire will my child be playing in ten lessons?"
Best of luck to you and your lucky baby!
Related Tags: education, music, parenting, play piano by ear, music education, simply music
Neil Moore, is an Australian music-educator. He is the Founder of Simply Music--the largest, playing-based music education institution in the world. Visit http://www.impactmovie.com/simplymusic2 to watch a three-minute presentation that explains more about Simply Music. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Top Riding Toys For 201
Children love the excitement and adventure that can be found by cruising on their own ride on toy. W - Picking the Best Size Bike For Your Child
Bicycling can be a great way for your child to get a little extra exercise. Learning to ride a bike - How to Help Your Kids Through Difficult Events
Even as a child or adolescent we may face challenging times when things seem to be crashing down aro - How to Make Your Home Safe For a Young Child
New parents often spend weeks preparing their home for the arrival of their new baby. While there is - 4 Things to Know Before You Buy a Diaper Bag
Some things to keep in mind before you purchase the diaper bag are the following: material, the cost - Exciting Food Suggestions For Kids
Making kids eat healthy food is a big task every mother goes through. With kids pre-occupied with pl - Add Modern Touches to Your Toddler's Room With Modern Toddler Bedding
Decorating a child's room presents parents with several different challenges simultaneously: Choosin - When Should You Be Concerned About Your Baby's Health?
Your baby's health is one of the most important and delicate things that you have to keep abreast of - Having a Happy and Healthy Baby With the Benefits of Baby Massage
Mothers have known for centuries the benefits of baby massage, the world over. In many Asian countri - Diaper Bags And Their Uses
Parents usually need to take diaper bags along with them if they out on a trip. Especially, if the b
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Perfect Parent...Who Are We Kidding?
I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel they're not measuring up - Partial Breastfeeding - Should I Even Bother?
For some women, feeding a baby with breastmilk alone is not possible. The reasons for this vary. For - Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in - How Breastfeeding Benefits A Daddy
You know that breastfeeding is best for mother and child, but what's in it for Dad? Isn't he going t - Child-Appropriate Costumes: Violence, Sexuality, And Insensitivity
So your daughter wants to be Wonder Woman for Hallowe'en, or your son wants to be Batman. They're bo - The Evolution Of Vitamin B5 For Acne
I came across the benefits of Vitamin B5 6 years ago whilst searching for an acne treatment that act - Depression And Teens - Six Signs That Your Child May Be Suffering From Depression
Most people are now aware of the seriousness of depression. This has become much more common and mor - Parenting Teenager - Take Time For Your Teen!
BookWire's "Year in Reviews Magazine," December 2006 issue, lists a review of my book "Help Me With - Why It's Important To Follow A Healthy Diet When Pregnant
Pregnancy is one of the most physically enduring times in our lives, and it is more important than e - Sleep Separation And Your Child
It seems harmless enough, lying down with your child while he goes to sleep, but it could be that sl