Music Lessons: How to Create a Musical Home

From The Family Lab: Experiments in Parenting and Home Management · 57:34

Show by Whitney Archibald

A conversation with musician extraordinaire Debbie Siebert about how to incorporate music into your family culture: how to get your kids to practice the piano or another instrument, how and when to help them choose an instrument, and how to create an environment that encourages music. Experiments: Experiment 1: Let Your Kids See You Play Music Objective: Set an example of making music. If it looks fun/rewarding when you do it, your kids will want to do it too! Procedure: Practice in front of your kids. Show them what it looks like to master a piece of music. If you don't play anything, pick an instrument and learn! Experiment 2: Attend Live Music Performances as a Family Objective: Broaden your family's musical horizons and get them excited about music. Procedure: Look up local performances, even at the high school level. Your community probably has some free music events in the summer. Find out what kind of children's programs your local symphony runs—like discounted tickets for kids or special children's programming. Experiment 3: Curate Playlists Objective: Broaden your family's musical horizons Procedure: Make specific playlists in different genres to introduce kids to renowned music and artists. The car is a great place to introduce great music. Experiment 4: Watch Little Einsteins Objective: Introduce young kids to classical music. Procedure: Watch the shows together, then make a playlist of all the songs to reinforce the songs they learn. Experiment 5: Hire a 10-Year-Old Objective: Free yourself up to sit with your child while they practice. Procedure: Hire a 10-year-old (or older) friend to play with your other kids while one kid practices. They'll behave better at the piano with a visitor, and you'll be free to focus on them. Experiment 6: Buy Toy Instruments Objective: Make playing music fun. Procedure: Buy toys like xylophones, inexpensive ukuleles, shakers, etc., so kids can experiment and see music as play. Experiment 7: Have a Regular Performance Night Objective: Get the kids used to performing, and eager to show what they've learned that week. Procedure: Once a week or month, gather the family and have each kid play a song or a part of a song they've been working on. Then have each family member share what they liked about the performance. Experiment 8: Have a Family Talent Show Objective: Practice performing. Procedure: Gather your family, extended family, and/or friends and put on a little talent show. Encourage participation from all levels. Shower performers with applause and praise. Experiment 9: Teach the Basics Yourself Objective: Save money and start slow. Procedure: Teach your child the basics of an instrument yourself until they're around 8. If you don't know how to play, learn the basics on YouTube or ask a teacher to give you a crash course. Make it a low-pressure, fun one-on-one time. Make it more like playing together than structured practice. Experiment 10: Practice Hymns Before Church Objective: Teach kids to sing parts. Procedure: Find out which hymns you'll sing at church. Practice singing your part (i.e., alto or tenor) before church, then sing it with the congregation at church. Experiment 11: Say "Play," not "Practice" Objective: Reinforce the idea that music is fun. Procedure: Stop referring to playing music as practice. Try different methods like rewards or gamifying to make it fun.

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