Expose them to music. Make it a part of life. From an early age we took my daughters to punk shows(--I know-not considered music by many people), orchestra recitals, Native American Pow wows, Irish sessions and concerts etc etc...We listen to a wide variety of music (Bach to Johnny Thunders). They both play in the high school orchestra. The oldest one makes County orchestra each year and although neither plays Folk music now, in thier teens, I believe they may yet discover an appreciation for it in the future.
I agree with shanty with the addition of take them dancing from an early age. I believe it also helps there confidence , social skills and fitness.
It worked with my daughter.
Sing to them, lots and lots. I did this with my eldest son and he was "singing" tunes note perfect by 1 year of age, before he could talk or walk... you could always tell where he was in the house because he was singing. Now he is 14 and has an amazing ear for trad tunes, but also loves classical and is equally comfortable in both on flute. I am sure the singing from a very early age developed his ear for intervals and rhythm.
Sadly, I didn't sing much to my second baby and he has never developed a passion for music... but he has a talent, so I'm still waiting for him to "catch it" in his own time.
I think what puts kids off more than anything is to be forced to play an instrument they don't really like. It's got to be fun, even if the instrument they choose wouldn't be your choice.
Whatever early experience they have, however, I really believe a lot of the passion for making music is innate. My music seems to come from my grandfather, as both parents are completely unmusical. I teach a school choir, and although you can improve any child's ability to sing, some have a lot more raw material to work with.
I love the ellipsis at the end of Fedorastain's sweeping generalisation - ah! you could almost overlook it. So much nicer than these smiley faces that have become the norm for such usages nowadays.
I thought this was about the American punk band at first!
Good luck to all, I think it's inevitable. If they hear you playing, they can't help but ingest it. Worked for my Dad and I, and my boys already are tinkering with music, which brings me so much joy.
Of course, mostly it's my nine year old wanting to play piano and sing like the lads on American Idol, but hey, I don't complain, just encourage.
The Offspring
The Offspring
What creates a love of music in a young child? How does a parent help the process? And how does he avoid hindering it?
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by corkonian
Re: The Offspring
Expose them to music. Make it a part of life. From an early age we took my daughters to punk shows(--I know-not considered music by many people), orchestra recitals, Native American Pow wows, Irish sessions and concerts etc etc...We listen to a wide variety of music (Bach to Johnny Thunders). They both play in the high school orchestra. The oldest one makes County orchestra each year and although neither plays Folk music now, in thier teens, I believe they may yet discover an appreciation for it in the future.
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by shanty
Re: The Offspring
I agree with shanty with the addition of take them dancing from an early age. I believe it also helps there confidence , social skills and fitness.
It worked with my daughter.
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by bazouki dave
Re: The Offspring
Sing to them, lots and lots. I did this with my eldest son and he was "singing" tunes note perfect by 1 year of age, before he could talk or walk... you could always tell where he was in the house because he was singing. Now he is 14 and has an amazing ear for trad tunes, but also loves classical and is equally comfortable in both on flute. I am sure the singing from a very early age developed his ear for intervals and rhythm.
Sadly, I didn't sing much to my second baby and he has never developed a passion for music... but he has a talent, so I'm still waiting for him to "catch it" in his own time.
I think what puts kids off more than anything is to be forced to play an instrument they don't really like. It's got to be fun, even if the instrument they choose wouldn't be your choice.
Whatever early experience they have, however, I really believe a lot of the passion for making music is innate. My music seems to come from my grandfather, as both parents are completely unmusical. I teach a school choir, and although you can improve any child's ability to sing, some have a lot more raw material to work with.
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by buttons 'n' whistles
Re: The Offspring
If you love music, so will junior, if he loves you...
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by fedorastain
Re: The Offspring
Allow and encourage them.
Involve them.
Don't make them.
I love the ellipsis at the end of Fedorastain's sweeping generalisation - ah! you could almost overlook it. So much nicer than these smiley faces that have become the norm for such usages nowadays.
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by showaddydadito
Re: The Offspring
I thought this was about the American punk band at first!
Good luck to all, I think it's inevitable. If they hear you playing, they can't help but ingest it. Worked for my Dad and I, and my boys already are tinkering with music, which brings me so much joy.
Of course, mostly it's my nine year old wanting to play piano and sing like the lads on American Idol, but hey, I don't complain, just encourage.
# Posted on May 22nd 2009 by SWFL Fiddler