Raising a Musical Child: What Worked for Us
How We Helped Our Son Fall in Love with Music
Sure, some kids are born with a natural musical gift. You can see it early on. But I truly believe that the way we introduce children to music and the environment they grow up in can have just as much of an impact. In fact, it can spark or grow a deep love for music, even if it’s not there from the start.
Every child is different, of course. Their interests and personalities vary. But I’d love to share a few things we did with our son from the time he was a baby that I think really helped nurture his musical curiosity.
1. Surround Them with Music! All the Time!
One of the easiest things we did was just play music. ALL THE TIME. Our house always had music playing in the background. And we made certain pieces part of specific routines, almost like a soundtrack to his early life.
For example, during meals we always played Mozart’s Piano Sonata in C Major, K. 330. Bath time was usually paired with the 2nd mvt. of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. When we read books together, we’d put on Beethoven’s symphonies or overtures.
Over time, he started connecting the music with different moods and activities. And once he began communicating a bit, we made listening more interactive. We’d say things like, “Doesn’t this sound like fish jumping and having a party?” or “Can you hear the wind blowing?” Before long, he was reacting emotionally- crying to sad, slow music, and dancing wildly to happy, upbeat pieces.
2. Make Music Playful and Creative
Even before he started formal lessons, we’d let him “play” the piano. But instead of giving him instructions, we turned it into a storytelling game.
We’d say, “A dinosaur is coming!” and he’d slam the low keys. Or “It’s playtime with friends!” and he’d bang out fast, high-pitched notes. Sometimes we’d pretend to be sad-like, “Oh no, we dropped our favorite cookie!” -and he’d respond with slow, gentle sounds.
There was no right or wrong. We just wanted him to explore sound and emotion without pressure.
3. Go to Concerts (Yes, Even with a Toddler!)
When he turned three, we started taking him to concerts. We didn’t expect him to sit through the whole thing and he didn’t. But we made it work.
We’d pick concerts with fun, accessible programs and introduce the music weeks in advance at home. We’d listen to the piece together, talk about the instruments, tell stories around the music and get him familiar with what he’d hear. Then at the concert, we’d just stay for the first piece or maybe the first half.
Because he knew the music so well, he was completely engaged and it became something he looked forward to.
It’s All About Consistency and Connection
We did this over and over and over again, listening together, talking about the music, making up stories and going to concerts. Maybe our son is naturally drawn to music, but I really believe his love for it grew because of the environment we created around him.
The key is consistency. Keep music around. Make it part of everyday life. Be creative. Tell stories. Use your imagination. You might be surprised by how your child responds and how a simple love of music can grow into something truly meaningful.