You have heard how music changes our brains. How it is good for our children. As we celebrate this new website, you are here to learn, to gather new ideas – you love tips, ideas and tricks!
It's time to be a good musical example for your kids; it’s time for adventure and joy. Heart, no more excuses!
Try to capture and change your thoughts from:
“I’m only a shower singer” -to “I love singing in the shower – everyone sounds good in the shower!”
I’ll sing in the car, but . . .” -to “Singing in the car helps pass the time on long trips. Wow, have I heard some great new music from hearing what my kids are listening to!”
“I’m not trained” -to “Let’s sing. Make a joyful noise! I’ll try. Teach me.”
“I will look silly”-to “Let’s play. Let’s have fun! I’m so glad I took this class with my toddler and can wiggle along!”
“I’m not good enough” -to “If everyone waited until they were good enough, nobody would!”
I’m afraid.” -to “Let’s try where I’m at – and find help and resources.”
“I can’t.” -to “I’ll try with an open heart towards having fun.”
“It’s good for my kids, but not for me.” -to “If it’s good for my kids, it's probably good for me, too!”
“I’m too old’ -to “I’m going to be an example to my children of what a lifelong learner looks like!”
Here are a few easy tastes of musical adventure as a family I recommend trying:
Recorder or Penny Whistle – inexpensive instruments that are easy to begin learn and can take a lifetime to master. Try any instrument you can whenever you can.
Take a class
Visit a contra, folk, or square dance where live music is part of the evening
Attend a concert, there is almost always a free concert somewhere!
Walk up and talk to a musician you admire
Sing freely in church and with your children
Volunteer your musical skills when they are needed
Put a songbook in the car to help pass the time
Check out cds from the library or use Freegal music through the library to try out music
About Amy Paxton: I am blessed in music. My parents sang, read music, participated in high school and community theater, took me folk dancing across the country and played instruments. I have taken music lessons and taught lessons of one sort or another for much of my life. I was encouraged and nurtured to have curiosity and try. I was encouraged to be open and unafraid and learned that I am happier with music in my life than without. I still have to say the same things to my heart as I write here. I have tried, not always successfully, to nurture the same curiosity and willingness to try with my own children.
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