Music Matters

The benefits of rich musical experiences are endless. Just listening to music can affect your mood and has even been casually linked to an increase in spatial intelligence. Making music boosts creativity and even self-esteem and even teaches many “non-musical lessons” related to math, cultural expression and perseverance.

If you don’t make music an active part of your children’s life, now is the time to start. Here’s how:

1. Expose children to different types of music.

Your car rides don’t have to be limited to toddler tunes. From your favorites to classical pieces by the masters, expose your children to lots of different types of music with different instrumentations and rhythms.

2. Attend live music events.

Most communities offer free cultural programming that includes access to a variety of performances. Check with your local cultural council to see what is offered in your area.

3. Make music at home.

Whether it’s banging pots and pans or investing in some kid-safe egg shakes and maracas, join the kids in creating a marching band. And don’t worry if you can’t carry a tune. Your children love your voice, however you think it may sound.

4. Play musical games.

Cups has become a popular kid’s favorite where you simply bang out rhythms on different objects and body parts using a plastic cup. For the older set, ThinkFun puts out a great game called Compose Yourself which allows users to create their own melodies from a deck of music cards. Once they have created their own masterpiece, they can hear how it sounds when played by a professional orchestra.

5. Sign your child up for music classes.

Music Together is a nationally recognized program that provides an awesome opportunity for parents and children to explore music making together. Other programs like Kinder-Music also combine music and movement making them a win-win for parents and children alike.

Given all the benefits music exploration provides, it makes sense to do what you can do increase your child’s exposure to music and to take the time to make music together.

*ThinkFun provided a review copy of Compose Yourself at no cost to me. All opinions are my own. Michelle

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