Did you know children enjoy classical music?

They just need to be exposed!

Where was I exposed to classical music? At home, especially on weekends, my parents would play classical music and jazz. Those memories have been foundational in me turning to these genres of music for comfort and inspiration with my kids and students.

Taking musical instrument lessons is a great way for your child to be introduced to classical music. Studies have proven that the learning of an instrument improves and develops neuropath ways in the young and old. Growing up I was given piano lessons. We paid it forward exposing both our kids to piano and Matthew branched off with trumpet through high school.

Here are two activities that I used with all grades to develop an appreciation for classical music. They can be adapted to a shared family activity.

Movement: Choose 3- 5 favourite classical pieces ranging from slow to fast tempo. Play each tune, or segments of while everyone moves to the beat and the mood of the music. Then switch the tune. There is no right or wrong. Everyone can do whatever they please, even sit BUT they must move some part of their body even if it’s fingers or tapping of toes. AND it is important not to say it is dance as some children (and fathers lol) who are shy might clam up.

Art: Given everyone a large piece of paper and crayons or pencil crayons. The challenge is to draw lines and colour a picture that fits the tempo and mood of the music. Some children might choose to structure their art as a piece rooted in reality while others might choose to go lines and scribbles in a more modern creation.

Dazzle’s Challenge:

  • Why not take a break from pop or rock music?
  • During the pandemic, although lessons might not be an option, listening to classical music and acquiring a taste for it is available on line. Listen to classical music before bedtime or choose one to classical tunes to play during dinnertime.
  • Research famous child musicians. Listen to their music and discuss how they achieved their level of accomplishment.

Lots of Classical Links!

Classical Music Stories for Kids

Peter and The Wolf

Fantasia

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_EDBM1tOEo&list=PL3Zb_zbYb81uDWa0A0bHbJqduEpelMYjr

Music for Children

Opera for kids

A young boy  playing a pop tune with a classical instrument

Did you know children enjoy classical music?

They just need to be exposed!

Where was I exposed to classical music? At home, especially on weekends, my parents would play classical music and jazz. Those memories have been foundational in me turning to these genres of music for comfort and inspiration with my kids and students.

Taking musical instrument lessons is a great way for your child to be introduced to classical music. Studies have proven that the learning of an instrument improves and develops neuropath ways in the young and old. Growing up I was given piano lessons. We paid it forward exposing both our kids to piano and Matthew branched off with trumpet through high school.

Here are two activities that I used with all grades to develop an appreciation for classical music. They can be adapted to a shared family activity.

Movement: Choose 3- 5 favourite classical pieces ranging from slow to fast tempo. Play each tune, or segments of while everyone moves to the beat and the mood of the music. Then switch the tune. There is no right or wrong. Everyone can do whatever they please, even sit BUT they must move some part of their body even if it’s fingers or tapping of toes. AND it is important not to say it is dance as some children (and fathers lol) who are shy might clam up.

Art: Given everyone a large piece of paper and crayons or pencil crayons. The challenge is to draw lines and colour a picture that fits the tempo and mood of the music. Some children might choose to structure their art as a piece rooted in reality while others might choose to go lines and scribbles in a more modern creation.

Dazzle’s Challenge:

  • Why not take a break from pop or rock music?
  • During the pandemic, although lessons might not be an option, listening to classical music and acquiring a taste for it is available on line. Listen to classical music before bedtime or choose one to classical tunes to play during dinnertime.
  • Research famous child musicians. Listen to their music and discuss how they achieved their level of accomplishment.

Lots of Classical Links!

Classical Music Stories for Kids

Peter and The Wolf

Fantasia

  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_EDBM1tOEo&list=PL3Zb_zbYb81uDWa0A0bHbJqduEpelMYjr

Music for Children

Opera for kids

A young boy  playing a pop tune with a classical instrument