DEAR MR. PERRY, PLEASE ADVICE ME HOW TO RAISE KIDS WHO LOVE MUSIC

Instilling the love of music in your child is easier than you thought. Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started.

Is it Difficult: No It is Easy

What is the Time Required: It should be Ongoing

1. Sing to your child. Yes, even though you believe you can't sing in tune, your child will still think you have a lovely voice. The significance of music to children is well known. There are findings that even a fetus responds to music while still in the mother's womb. Whether you believe the research or not, there's no harm in singing to your child.
   
2. Dance with your child. Okay, I know some of you might say you can't dance but neither can many. Honestly, it doesn't matter, your child will enjoy and even be fascinated to see you dance. Put on your favorite music CD and dance with your kid. This way you're introducing your child to the joys of music and creating a happy memory at the same time (well you'll be also burning off calories).
3. Teach them action songs. Kids love these types of songs. There are lots of action songs you and your child can learn together. Some examples are "London Bridge is Falling Down", "Ring Around the Rosy". There are cd's and tapes of action songs that come with lyrics and instruction booklets on the market today. Or you can be creative and make your own actions. Action songs are a great way to teach kids about the rhythm of music.
4. Share with them your favorite songs. I remember hearing music being played at our home everyday when I was young. As a result, I was exposed to different types of music and various artists at a young age. Exposing your child to your favourite songs will help him/her understand that there are varying types of music to appreciate.
5. Rent, buy or borrow books, videos and tapes that revolve around the subject of music. Choose cd's that feature great musicians like Mozart and Beethoven as well as famous children's songs. Also borrow dvd's from a rental store, musical movies like " The Muppet Show "and " The Sound of Music ". There are also good children's TV shows that can help introduce your child to music. This is a wonderful way of teaching him/her the significance of music in our world.
6. Join parent-child classes available in your area that introduces the concepts of music in a fun way.
   
7. If appropriate, take your child to local concerts. Be sure though that if you do take your child to a concert, you'll sit far away from the speakers as the noise will be too much for a kid to handle. Concerts are a great way to introduce your child to performers and musical instruments.
   
8. If your child is interested in learning how to play an instrument, then encourage her by enrolling her in music lessons.
9. Make sure you pick a teacher that has a rapport or connects well with your child.