Father's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, and father figures who have influenced our lives. It's also a great time to connect music appreciation with family relationships in a way that feels meaningful and memorable for homeschool students.
One of my favorite ways to teach music appreciation is through musicals. Musicals combine storytelling, character development, and memorable music into an experience that captures children's attention. When we look closely at the fathers portrayed in musical theater, we find powerful examples of love, sacrifice, growth, and family values.
Today I'd like to share a simple 15-minute music lesson that explores four memorable fathers in musicals.
Captain von Trapp from The Sound of Music
When we first meet Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music, he appears strict and emotionally distant. He runs his household almost like a military operation and struggles to connect with his children after the death of his wife.
As the story unfolds, however, we discover that beneath his stern exterior is a father who deeply loves his family. Music becomes one of the tools that helps heal the family and restore those relationships.
Listen to “Edelweiss” together.
As your children listen, discuss:
What emotions do you hear in this song?
Does Captain von Trapp seem strong, gentle, or both?
Why is this song important to him?
How does the music reveal his love for his family and homeland?
Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof
Tevye is one of the most beloved fathers in all of musical theater. He loves his daughters dearly, but he also struggles as traditions begin to change around him.
The song “Sunrise, Sunset” captures a feeling many parents understand: children grow up far more quickly than we expect.
As you listen, ask:
Is this song happy, sad, or both?
Why might parents have mixed emotions as their children grow older?
What does this song reveal about Tevye's heart as a father?
Many homeschool parents find this song especially moving because it reflects the fleeting nature of childhood.
Daddy Warbucks from Annie
Daddy Warbucks experiences one of the biggest transformations in musical theater.
At the beginning of Annie, he is wealthy and successful but emotionally disconnected. Through his relationship with Annie, he begins to realize that love and family matter more than money or business success.
Listen to “Something Was Missing.”
Discussion questions:
What realization does Daddy Warbucks have?
What was missing from his life?
How does the music help communicate that change?
Can music help tell a story without needing lots of dialogue?
This song provides a wonderful example of character growth through music.
King Triton from The Little Mermaid
King Triton is a father who loves his daughter deeply but struggles to understand her dreams.
Many parents and children can relate to this tension. Parents want to protect their children, while children often want greater independence.
The stage musical's quartet “If Only” allows us to hear multiple perspectives at once, including King Triton's.
As you listen, discuss:
Does King Triton sound loving, protective, frustrated, or all three?
Why do parents sometimes make rules that children don't understand?
How does the music help us understand both Ariel and her father?
A Simple Father's Day Activity
To wrap up the lesson, invite your children to complete one of these activities:
Draw their favorite father figure from today's lesson.
Write a sentence describing the father's character.
Compare two of the fathers.
Create a short song about a father figure they admire.
Write a thank-you note to their own dad, grandfather, or mentor.
These simple activities help children process what they heard and make personal connections to the music.
Why Lessons Like “Fathers in Musicals” Matter
One of the reasons I love music appreciation is that it helps children explore ideas that go far beyond notes and rhythms. Through music, we can discuss character, relationships, values, and emotions.
A lesson like this fits beautifully into real homeschool life. It requires very little preparation, works for multiple ages, and creates opportunities for meaningful conversations.
Most importantly, it helps children see that music is not just something we listen to. Music tells stories, expresses emotions, and helps us understand people.
And that's a lesson worth celebrating on Father's Day.
Father's Day ~ Third Sunday in June
Father's Day in America was celebrated on the third Sunday in June starting in 1910.
Download two Father's Day cards that your kids can give to their dad!
