Children are often exposed to music from a young age, whether it’s through lullabies, children’s songs, or simply being played music in the background.
And while some kids take an immediate liking to music and start humming along or banging on pots and pans, others need a little more encouragement to develop an interest in music.
If your child falls into the latter category, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to help foster a love of music.
Here are 12 tips on how to encourage your child’s interest in music:
1. Play music regularly in your home
Make music a part of your daily routine by playing it in the background during breakfast, while getting ready for school, or during family fun time.
Pop on Pandora or Spotify, or dig out some old CDs to create a playlist of your child’s favorite tunes.
2. Take your child to live music performances
Attending concerts and musical theater productions is a great way to expose kids to different genres of music and get them excited about seeing music performed live.
Check out kid-friendly shows in your area, or look for family discounts at local venues.
3. Find the right instrument for your child
If your child expresses interest in learning to play an instrument, do some research to find the best fit. There are a variety of instruments for kids.
For example, if your kid wants a guitar, you could get them a miniature version or an electronic one that makes less noise.
Another option for aspiring young guitarists is the Loog, which has only three strings and is designed for kids ages 3 and up.
Or you can buy them the real thing, just make sure that it’s the right size – a full-size guitar may be too big and cumbersome for a child to handle.
4. Get involved yourself
Let your child see you enjoying music, whether it’s singing along in the car, dancing around the living room, or playing an instrument.
If they see that you have fun with music, they’ll be more likely to want to join in.
5. Make it interactive
Rather than just listening to music, make it a more interactive experience for your child by incorporating instruments, props, and costumes.
This is especially effective for younger children who are still developing their fine motor skills.
6. Turn down the lyrics
If your child is more interested in the beat and rhythm of the music, try turning down the vocals so they can focus on the instruments being played.
You can also look for instrumental versions of popular songs to play instead.
7. Sign up for music classes
Group classes are a great way for kids to learn about different instruments and styles of music, as well as how to read sheet music and follow along with a conductor.
Many community centers and schools offer beginner’s music classes for kids of all ages.
8. Rent or buy musical instruments
Let your child try out different instruments to see which ones they’re most interested in.
If you have the budget, consider buying an instrument outright – this will give them the chance to practice at home and really hone their skills. Otherwise, many music stores offer instrument rentals.
9. Create a personalized playlist
Make a special playlist for your child that includes all of their favorite songs.
They’ll love being able to listen to music that’s hand-picked just for them, and it’ll make them feel more invested in the experience.
10. Listen to audiobooks with musical soundtracks
If your child is a fan of stories, try listening to audiobooks that have accompanying musical soundtracks.
This can be a great way to introduce them to classical music or other styles that they might not otherwise be exposed to.
11. Go on a musical scavenger hunt
For a fun and interactive way to encourage your child’s interest in music, go on a musical scavenger hunt around your house or neighborhood.
See how many different songs you can identify by listening for just a few seconds, and then race to see who can name the most!
12. Visit a music museum
Many cities have museums dedicated to music and musical history, which can be a great learning experience for kids.
If there’s not one in your area, consider taking a trip to a nearby city to check it out.