How to develop your child’s music talents:

We can only appreciate what we have been exposed to. If we only ever eat pasta with tomato sauce, we won’t learn to appreciate different foods and tastes. It’s the same with music: Don’t think your child can only appreciate ‘children’s’ music, or that genres such as classical music are too advanced. When we are exposed to new types of sound, we develop our ability to hear- and appreciate them.

I remember going with my dad to the ballet when I was just 4; he just brought a big pillow for me to sit on, and we left at intermission, but I was not too young to appreciate it. In fact, I remember feeling so proud that he believed that I could. Growing up, my house was full of music being played and appreciated -anything from Bach over The Beatles to experimental jazz. Nothing was off limits, there were just a lot of different sounds and expressions surrounding me.

I still remember classical music sounding like a blur to my young ears, until one day, it ‘opened up’ and I could suddenly hear all the different layers of sound and expression. It felt amazing. This only happens if we are exposed to music repeatedly. Today, I am so grateful to my parents for sharing so many types of music with me and allowing me to develop my ability appreciate music.

We are never too young to appreciate music!

-If you have a baby or toddler: Turn off the TV and put on your favourite album or symphony; put on music that’s fun to dance to.

-Age 3 and up: Take them to a music class, or have them learn an instrument! Have a keyboard, guitar or percussion instruments at home, that they can explore. Play many different types of music at home.

Here is a video of one of my 3-year old students in her first piano of lessons. We are working on learning the finger-numbers, and holding her hands round. You can do this exercise with your child, and then practice playing finger 2, 3 or 4!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU-oy_gFxBD/

Still not sure where your child’s creative talents lie, or not sure what is age-appropriate? For a free 15 min creativity-consult, email info@pianoforlittlehands.com