Why Classical Music is Important to Your Child

Many times you hear people say that they don't like classical music. It makes them sleepy or they find it boring. More than likely they weren't exposed to classical music as children, and this is sad. All it takes to teach children to have a love for classical music is to be sure that they are exposed to it when they are very young.

It's very easy to teach children starting from infancy about classical music. Play a little soft music for them as they are playing with their toys. In the evening when getting ready for bed have a little classical music on to help them wind down and relax. Babies are like sponges and will absorb the sounds and sights that they are exposed to.

There are many theories as to the benefits of music. Putting theories aside, though, just learning to appreciate music means that a child has to learn how to concentrate, listen, and learn discipline. What's even better is if children can be exposed to music in a live setting with a full orchestra.

Many of today's symphonies and orchestras have community outreach programs. For instance, The Alabama Symphony in Birmingham, Alabama goes out into the community to schools and churches and performs free for children and adults. Can you imagine a full symphony in a school's auditorium? What an awesome experience for children.

Many times classically trained musicians go to the schools and offer master classes to students in school orchestras to encourage them in their music studies. This helps young people become better at playing their own instruments and hopefully this will carry over into their adult lives.

If you ever get a chance to go to one of the many free concerts given by symphonies throughout the United States in the summer, you should take the opportunity. Watch the little children. Yes a lot of them will be jumping around and act as if they don't realize what's going on, but you will see that many of the children are very interested in the musicians and their instruments. Especially when the orchestra is at ground level, you will see the children inching forward to get a closer look.

It's not just classical music that children should be exposed to, but also things like performances of Peter and the Wolf or the Nutcracker. My little granddaughter who is only a year old loves classical music. At Halloween time I took her to a concert for children. She was completely happy to watch the symphony even at her very young age. She danced, laughed, clapped, and she and I had a wonderful time.

Aside from the music there is so much history to be learned. The time periods where the greatest music was created is so fascinating and can really be taught in a way that sparks a child's imagination. Be sure to expose your children and grandchildren to the wonderful experience and history of classical music. This is a gift you can give them that will be with them all of their lives.