Music has many benefits for children, from improving cognitive function and memory to fostering teamwork and social skills. Imagine one day you wake up, and your children are playing in a band together. How amazing would that be?
According to the National Association for Music Education, “students who study music tend to have higher math and verbal SAT scores.” And a recent study from the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute found that “musical training physically alters brain structure and improves memory and attention skills.”
Boulder County in Colorado has decreased juvenile crime rates since implementing a music education program called Musical Minds in 1999. The program provides free musical instruments and instruction to children from low-income families.
This shows that music can benefit not only individuals but also society as a whole. If you’re looking for ways to get your kids involved in music, here are a few ideas:
- Join a music class or program
You can choose from music classes and programs available for children, from group classes at community centers to private lessons with a professional instructor.
Musical instruments can be expensive, but many music programs will provide musical instruments for your child to use. If you’re unsure what instrument your child would like to play, consider renting one from a music store so they can try it out before making a purchase.
You can also enroll your child in a choir or band program. These programs not only teach children to play an instrument but also how to read music and work together as a group.
In the United States, Colorado is quite famous for hosting various musical events and festivals. For instance, you can explore violin lessons in Boulder County for kids or adults, depending on your child’s age and interests.
Why? Because the state of Colorado is also home to several music festivals and camps that your family can enjoy together. It also boasts many live music venues so you can introduce your kids to different genres of music.
Fun Fact: Many famous musicians started playing music at a young age. For instance, Mozart began composing music when he was five years old!
- Listen to music together
Listening to music is an excellent way for you and your child to bond while exposing them to different types of music. You can create a family playlist of songs everyone enjoys or let your child develop their own playlist.
If you’re unsure where to start, try listening to kids’ music from different cultures. This is a fun way to learn about other cultures and a great way to introduce your child to new types of music. However, you can listen to any music you and your child enjoy.
- Attend live musical performances
Musical performances are a great way to expose your child to live music. You can attend concerts, musicals, and other live performances together. This is also an excellent opportunity to introduce your child to different musical genres.
Kid-friendly performances are often available, so check out your local listings. And don’t forget to check out your area’s music festivals and other events. These are often great opportunities to see multiple bands and performers.
- Dance together
Dancing is a great way to have fun while getting some exercise. You can dance around the house, in the yard, or even in the kitchen while cooking dinner. Just put on some music and start moving!
You can also take a dance class together or attend a dance party. This is a great way to meet other families and get involved in your community. Interestingly, dancing has also been shown to have many cognitive benefits, such as improving memory and reducing stress.
And the reason why dancing is so good for you is that it involves moving your entire body, which gets your heart rate up and increases blood flow to your brain.
- Play musical games
Playing games is a great way to learn while having fun. And there are many musical games available for kids of all ages.
For instance, the game “Name That Tune” is a great way to teach kids about musical genres and different types of music. You can also play memory games using musical instruments or songs.
Many apps and online games also help kids learn about music. And don’t forget about karaoke! This is a great way to sing along to your favorite songs and have fun.
- Make your own music
Making music is a great way to express yourself and have fun. You can make music with anything, from pots and pans to toys and instruments. And you don’t need to be a professional musician to make music. Just have fun and see what you can create!
In the past, people used to make music with everyday objects, such as spoons, jugs, washboard, and even their voices. This type of music is called “found object instruments” or “street music,” and it’s still popular today!
However, you can also make music with traditional instruments, such as guitars, drums, and keyboards.
- Visit a music museum
In addition to being a great way to learn about music, visiting a music museum is also a fun family activity. Museums are dedicated to specific music genres, such as jazz or rock ‘n’ roll. Many museums offer interactive exhibits, which are great for kids.
And some museums even offer concerts and other live performances. Also, there are museums located in historic buildings, which is another excellent way to learn about music and history.
- Meet a musician
You can attend a meet-and-greet, a music festival, or even take a music class together. This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn about the musician’s life and work. Plus, it’s a great way to get autographs and take photos. Lastly, meeting a real musician is a great way to get your kids interested in music.
Conclusion
In the world of music, there is something for everyone. And there are many ways to get your kids interested in music. By attending live performances, dancing together, playing games, and making your own music, you can introduce your kids to the world of music in a fun and engaging way. So don’t wait; get started today!
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