I took my first piano lesson from my mother when I was 5 years old, and have made music my life’s work. I have taught so many gifted children and seen them overcome shyness and embrace the joy of music. Here are five tips for inspiring a love of music in your children this summer.
- Take them to concerts.
There is nothing more musically inspiring than experiencing live music. Taking your children to concerts and music festivals can help foster the lifelong love of music and create fun memories. Many parks and organizations around L.A. are offering affordable or free music concerts this summer.
Check out my kids’ favorite summer concerts:
- Summer Concerts at Burton Chase Park in Marina del Rey
- Concerts in the Park in Playa Vista
- Concerts in the Park at Polliwog in Manhattan Beach
- Concerts on Canon in Beverly Hills
- Summer Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl
- Encourage them to move to music.
Put on some music and dance with your child. Dancing is a great physical activity that connects people, creates a fun atmosphere and teaches about the rhythm and tempo. Dance to your kids’ favorite tunes and gradually explore different genres and dance moves with your children.
I just love dancing and watching my kids dance! It always brings out loads of laughter.
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Sing and rhyme together.
Children naturally love singing along. From the time they are born, children learn to recognize and mimic the sounds. Singing lullabies and nursery rhymes to your little ones creates a fun connection and helps your kids learn language. And nothing is more enjoyable than making up silly tunes and singing them together. My kids and I create songs while playing in the park, digging in the sand at the beach or driving to activities.
- Share what you know.
Teach your children about the music you enjoyed when you were growing up. Listen to your old favorites together, then expand your musical tastes by listening to music in different genres and styles. Share your thoughts and feelings about the music you hear.
- Take music lessons.
Summer is a great time to try something new. Learning to play a musical instrument is a fun way to begin your summer. Children are naturally musical, and this is a chance to take your child’s musical experience to the next level.
Olesya MacNeil is the founder of Music Teacher LA, which offers private in-home and in-studio music lessons for ages 4-up and adults in piano, guitar, violin, voice and drums. She has been teaching private music lesson since 1991 and loves working with families.
