Fostering a Love of Music Within Your Child: Practical Techniques for Parents and Educators

I fondly remember listening to music in my younger years with my dad. I can recall the richness of listening to live recordings of The Rolling Stones and watching as Mick Jagger paraded around the stage with an unmatched confidence. I recall singing and sharing the music with my father and his friends as I sang “Start Me Up” with the same confidence despite not knowing the words to the songs! I remember watching Superbowl shows with my father and driving in his car on hot summer days, listening to blues cassette tapes and singing along with my father. These core memories not only instilled a love of music, but a deep connection with my father, who to this day, we share and exchange music even 20 years later! 

This love of music has not been forced, but rather fostered. 

I wanted more of this magic. Not only with my dad, but with others. I began asking other family members about their music and learning their interests and developing a curated playlist built upon love and authentic curiosity. This love and curiosity for music needed an outlet aside from merely listening to music. I wanted to PLAY the music! I saw the amazing energy that emerged when musicians came together and played. From the social connections that were being formed to the creativity and expression that came from song writing. It occurred to me that by playing the guitar, I was not only honoring this childlike love and curiosity, but creating lasting connections that would define who I am as a person. 

My love of music and desire to share and connect with others lead me down the path to become a music therapist. My worldview as a therapist is to offer the same connection for children and parents to connect and bond over, just as my parents and loved ones had done for me. While my sessions are tailored to meet the needs of your child and carefully create the space for such exploration, I feel as if this powerful connection is not exclusive to music therapy, but rather, this energy is intrinsically found within music. 

For any parent, teacher or loved one who seeks to instill the same love of music with someone they care about, here are some suggestions that I have learned from my parents and my journey as a musician and therapist. 

1. Foster, do not force. 
   
   • Children already have a great deal of expectations thrusted upon them. Having the child being “forced” into practicing or lessons will not foster this love of music. Instead, follow the child’s lead and learn what they are interested in listening to or wanting to play. You will be AMAZED about the results. 
2. Embrace curiosity and playfulness.
   
   • I have been a music student for many years. I am aware of when a teacher is teaching the notes and not the music. It’s boring and believe me, the children are aware of this. Instead of focusing on the notes, create a memorable experience! 
   • If the melody is simple, try having the child sing a song using that melody! If the melody is a simple C major scale, try adding humour! If the melody starts from C and ascends to G then returns to C, create a story with the melody, for example, sing “The ball is going up!!!!” then add humor with the descending melody “and now it falls face first…BAM!!!”
   • Children will appreciate your humor, older kids may find it annoying to which you can challenge them to do better, teenagers who are learning theory begin to think aurally rather than rely on notes and rote finger melodies. There are benefits for everyone!
3. Share your music
   
   • My father showed me music that he enjoyed and to this day, his music is in my rotation. As I am writing this article, I am listening to “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones! Honor the love of music and the desire to explore it. Your child may also find new interests and explore different passions. This is nature! But what will always remain is the LOVE and ACCEPTANCE of music within the relationship. For teachers and parents alike, this is what will foster a love of music. 

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In closing, music has been a part of our lives since the dawn of man. We need music, as it is a way of connection and expression from a personal or social lens. The pitfall that occurs with practice is that it's forced upon, not fostered. While it is important to set aside time to practice and be diligent, we must also take great care in fostering a love of music aside from practice. This love and passion will show up in the music and create a lasting relationship of music and music lessons which will last a lifetime. 

To know more about how to engage your child with music, please feel free to contact me at Sonicmindsmusictherapy@gmail.com or view my website at Sonicmindsmusictherapy.com to learn more about my approach! 

Until then, keep on playing and jump into the music!