We all know the importance of music in our lives. From the complex sound of a solo cello, to the soulful beats of a drum line, to the joy of singing a beloved tune, music can bring us so much joy! It also has a multitude of benefits, including allowing us to express our emotions, developing our language and motor skills, and even making us happier and more productive.

For these reasons, it’s no wonder that so many parents want to ensure that the next generation has a strong appreciation for music. Unfortunately, getting kids interested in music can be a challenge. On the one hand, you want your children to be exposed in a way that is age-appropriate and engaging. On the other, you don’t want to pressure them into something that they don’t enjoy. So how do we strike the balance between enabling exposure and nurturing a love for music?

Why Music Matters

There is a wealth of research that suggests that there are huge benefits to learning a musical instrument or taking up singing.

“Instrumental music instruction can have a profound impact on a young person’s development, not only in terms of listening, collaborative and technical skills, but also improving their cognitive skills, problem-solving and building confidence, self-esteem, creativity and imagination.”
–  Cynthia Scharff, Ph.D., Professor of Music Therapy at New York University, American Music Therapy, Vol. 25, No. 1, April 2009.

These skills can have remarkable implications for learning, as reflected in this quote by R. Dea Walters and T. Watts Merrifield, authors of Rethinking Music Education: A New Vision for the 21st Century:

“When children are given varied opportunities to participate in creative work with music, they become engaged in the learning process, develop critical thinking skills, learn to cooperate and collaborate, increase their ability to concentrate, and gain confidence in their own ideas and creativity.”

The capacity for music to engage and entertain our children is undeniable, and it’s clear that this is a powerful way of helping them develop their skills and knowledge for the future.

How to Get Kids Interested in Music

Now that we understand why music is so important, let’s look at how we can get kids interested in making and learning about it! There are a variety of ways for your child to explore music, whether it’s solo, with a group of friends, or through formal instruction with a teacher. Here are five tips that you can use to help your child get interested in music and make it fun and engaging:

  1. Start with what your child likes: What kind of music do they already listen to? Do they enjoy upbeat pop music, elegant classical pieces, or soulful jazz? It’s important to identify the genre or styles of music that interest them, as this can help you create a learning experience that is tailored to their individual interests and preferences.
  2. Have instruments on hand: Children are fascinated by instruments, and having them around can be motivating and encouraging. Whether you invest in an instrument or two, or simply collect everyday items to use as homemade musical instruments, you’re setting up your child for musical exploration.
  3. Explore music together: Whether it’s going to a concert, watching a music video, or experimenting with instruments, there are so many ways to explore music with your child. This is also a great way to show your own love and appreciation for music, setting a positive example that your child can follow!
  4. Make music an interactive experience: Interactivity is key when you’re trying to get your child interested in music. Think of fun ways to engage them in activities that involve creating music, such as singing, playing simple rhythms on a drum, or composing a song together.
  5. Seek out formal instruction: Formal music lessons can be a great way for your child to develop their skills and get instruction from qualified experts. To make it fun, look for teachers and classes that emphasize creativity, exploration, and collaboration over strict rules and “perfectionism.”

Conclusion

By exposing our children to music in a way that is engaging, supportive and fun, we can foster a lifelong appreciation and love for this art form that can have lasting benefits. We may not be able to make an experienced pianist out of our four-year-old, but it is possible to nurture and develop our children’s musical curiosities, and help them build critical skills such as creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and more.

With a little bit of effort and creativity, we can open the door to a wonderful world of music for our children, and equip them with the skills and appreciation for this powerful art form that can serve them for a lifetime.

Sources:

  • American Music Therapy Association. “Music Development: What to Expect from Kindergarten to High School,” April 2009. Accessed 27 Mar. 2020.
  • Walters, R. Dea. and T. Watts Merrifield. Rethinking Music Education: A New Vision for the 21st Century. Schirmer Trade, 2011.
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