Multimedia
“Each of us is an artist and musician, capable of conceiving and creating a vision from the depths of our being.” Dorothy Fadiman
Babies and young children are born musicians. Beginning with the sound of their mother’s heartbeat, they enjoy music while still in the womb. Even as tiny infants, they delight in music. Rhythm, melody, light and sound engage their senses. They depend on their family to provide a sensory-rich environment, and they want to begin the musical fun as soon as possible!
In the past, cultures around the world raised their children in homes and communities where corporate music was a common everyday occurrence. People enjoyed singing, dancing, listening to music, poetry and storytelling. In today’s world, young families are less familiar with how to make music with their children. Early childhood music and movement classes, like Kindermusik, provide a place for family music in a joyful community of friends. It can also give children from birth to 5 years old a strong foundation for musical appreciation or instrumental study later.
Research proves that music and movement develop a young child’s natural gifts, even as early as infancy. The most powerful influence in your child’s development is your singing voice. Families don’t have to be trained musicians (or sing on key) to enjoy musical activities together. Children love the sound of your voice and its uniqueness!
Music With Your Baby
Infancy is a wonderful time to begin music with your child. Musical play focuses on rocking, dancing and exploring. Use instruments and interactive play during dances and bounces. Introduce literature to your baby through board books - the images and sounds encourage your baby’s ability to distinguish a wide range of speech contrasts.
Sign Language
Consider practicing sign language with your baby during everyday activities and music time. Babies and toddlers understand language long before they can speak, and they want to communicate with you. Sign language gives them a way to do that. Even as infants, they are watching and learning the signs. Around age 10 to 12 months and into their toddler years, they can begin to “talk” with you through signing about their world. In this way, babies can make their requests known and indicate their needs and preferences.
Introduce Music at Home
Relax and enjoy music with your baby, toddler or preschooler. Involve them in rituals and playful activities such as singing, dancing, listening to sounds or playing simple rhythm instruments. Weave songs, activities and even simple circle dances into your family’s daily routines. Nurture a love of diverse styles of music by collecting all kinds of music, including multi-cultural CDs. Make family music time a comfortable, safe and fun experience with few guidelines - no right or wrong way to play. Just delight in your child’s ideas. Lots of appreciation and approval will nurture your child’s enthusiasm and confidence about their individual style and creative expression!
Music With Your Toddler and Preschooler
Toddlers enjoy musical activities by rhyming, imitating sounds, beginning to match a steady beat, playing simple rhythm instruments and creative dancing that affirms their urge to move! As preschoolers, they’re ready for musical play that integrates music, pretend play, story telling, movement and more.
Musical learning through playful activities at home and in a class during the infant, toddler and preschool years offers your child a joyful experience. Children and their family members can explore music freely without pressure to perform. Therein lies the gift; allowing everyone, especially the children, to participate at their own pace and in their own learning style while supported, encouraged and accepted. So give your child a musical advantage. What a great way to start life as an artist, musician and as a creator of visions!
Contact Celeste Pine for more information on joining a Kindermusik group in Amarillo.
