How to Keep the Music Alive Throughout the Year
So, I must admit I was sad today when I couldn’t find any Christmas music on the radio. Even though I’ve become quite a Christmas music snob with my Putumayo CD’s and a few new Pandora stations, when I was flicking stations in the car today, I was hoping for a familiar version of Jingle Bells or Walking in a Winter Wonderland.
Music seems to fill the air between Thanksgiving and Christmas and then what. After a half-rousing version of Auld Lang Syne, it all seems to disappear. Don’t let that happen to you this year. Keep the Musical Spirit Alive in your home all year with these tips.
Keep Musical Instruments Out
Encourage creative play and exploration by leaving good quality instruments around the home. I remember reading a research study that talked about how children who play with instruments left out at home play for longer periods of time and in more sophisticated ways. Musical play provides inherent opportunities for developing ideas and learning new skills.
Start a Spontaneous Sing Along!
When you want to have some fun together as a family, break out the music! One of our kids favorite activities this month was singing songs around the Christmas tree, but you don’t need a Christmas tree to make music together. Pull out a few select instruments, maybe even Tupperware, and make some music!
Make a CD or a Playlist for Someone
This year, I was the lucky recipient and excited giver of CD’s for gifts. Making a playlist or CD for your family member can be a joy for you as you pick through songs that you know your loved one would enjoy. It’s also a great gift to receive and enjoy over and over again as you listen to your thoughtfully selected songs.
Learn a New Instrument
Guitar, piano, the bassoon? What instrument has always intrigued you? Maybe it’s time for you to finally find a teacher and an instrument so that you can be the musician you want to be! Or if you used to play, maybe it’s time to dust off the old horn, or voice box and find out about joining a community chorus, band or orchestra. Don’t wait any longer!
Go to a Concert
Getting out to hear live music is a great way to keep the musical spirit alive. There is nothing like hearing and seeing live musicians perform. This fall, we invited our nephew to the Melrose Symphony Orchestra concert. It was wonderful to see him taking in a live orchestra for the the very first time. Live music anywhere, from a concert hall to a coffee shop is exciting and enriching. If you’re looking for great opportunities to hear live music for kids, check out BostonChildren’sMusic.com for a calendar of events in the Boston area.