Teaching kids music can seem like a very daunting task.
Especially when they are your own children.
Or, perhaps you are a parent who just can’t seem to fit it into your day, no matter how hard you try!
I am very happy to say that teaching your kids music does NOT have to be hard, or take very much time at all. In fact, you could probably give your children a very good understanding and appreciation for music in just a few minutes, a couple times a week.
Here are seven tips to help you get started!
1) Make a Plan
To begin, you need to have an idea of what you can and would feasibly do. Perhaps that is just some general music appreciation for 15 minutes a day, or perhaps you would like to give them a gentle dabble in some music theory.
If you think all you have the time and energy for is some simple music appreciation to teach your kids about music, you can download and print these Music Listening Worksheets and listen to a piece of classical music while they fill in the worksheet.
Or, you may find it helpful to print off a music appreciation course ( Like this FREE one about 5 pieces by W.A. Mozart).
Lastly, you could just use one of my free lessons, such as this one on Vivaldi’s Winter Concerto ( From “The Four Seasons”). You can complete it in about 15 Minutes!
On another note, if you would like to start helping your kids learn about some music theory, I would suggest using this FREE printable Music course ( PERFECT for Kindergarten though elementary school!).
This course will teach your child ( And you if you are learning with them!) about the general framework on how music works.
You’ll learn concepts such as the most common types of notes, dynamics, as well as early rhythm work. You could probably do a couple pages in less than ten minutes.
2) Find or Buy Materials
As I mentioned above, there are a lot of free resources available! And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
I have been using music appreciation and some music theory with my 5 year old to help her prepare for when she eventually starts formal music lessons , but for now I just want her and her younger siblings to enjoy the music they hear.
That means they are learning to pick out different instruments in the music, or tell me when it’s a happy song or a sad song.
Simple observations are a great way to engage your children in the music you are hearing.
I bought some simple musical instruments that the kids enjoy playing while they dance to music. Or, I have a few sets of hand bells that they LOVE to put in rainbow order and play together.
Besides that, you can buy music appreciation courses ( This one has all of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. You could do this one in a month long study!), or some simple theory books to further your kids’ knowledge on music terminology and signs.
Set up a Designated Day/ Time for Teaching
I don’t know about you, but I do best when I have a routine or schedule for the day.
Furthermore, it seems like I get a lot more done than if I just wing it!
So, a designated day and time is an excellent habit to start when teaching kids music. You will have less complaining from any children who aren’t engaged with the music lesson yet, and it won’t be forgotten!
I generally have a little music appreciation lesson on Mondays and Wednesdays in the morning. My children will create with play dough or draw, and we’ll do a very informal lesson togther.
Remember, the goal is not to force feed kids when it comes to music. You want them to develop an appreciation for it!
4) Start Slowly and Simply when Teaching Kids Music
When you being teaching your kids music, you may only get 10-15 minutes ( or less if they are little!) of music appreciation or a music lesson. That is completely fine!
The fact that you have started is tremendous, and the interest and enjoyment will follow as you are consistent with helping your children learn. It doesn’t have to be complicated or music nobody enjoys listening to!
5) Learn Music with your Children
My most engaged and excited music students have always been the ones that have parents involved in their lessons, or are learning as well. There is just something so motivating to have your parent learning with you!
Incidentally, you may develop a new skill. Or, if your children ever begin formal music lessons you will be able to actively help them with their practicing, even if you just have a basic knowledge of music. Children who have a parent listening in on their practicing advance leaps and bounds ahead of children who are sent to practice however they want… I have a lot I could say on that…😒
6) Incorporate Music into your Day
Even if you aren’t able to do a formal music lesson during your week, just listening to music does wonders for your children’s own music appreciation!
For example, I usually have music playing while I do housework or when I’m cooking. I have music playing while the kids are building with blocks in the living room.
The children also have a music playlist they listen to as they get ready for bed.
You can be so creative in finding ways to expose them to some beautiful music throughout the day!
7) Give yourself Grace, and Have Fun Too!
It’s not easy teaching music to kids, whether you have some music knowledge already or not.
So, I hope you won’t feel discouraged if your children loose interest at first, or it’s hard to find a good time to schedule a music lesson together! The very fact that you have made the effort to begin is a huge hurdle.
I hope you found this little guide doable and now have some resources to start teaching your children how to love and appreciate beautiful music.
Happy learning and listening, Friend!
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