When we think of music today, we think of our favorite pop or rock artists. Most kids today love to jam out to their favorite songs on their iPods. However, we hear very little about Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven (no, not the lovable Saint Bernard), or Verdi. Usually, classical music often ignites a response of, “Eww, that’s sooooo boring.” Nevertheless, while classical composers may not be pop stars, their contributions have built the foundation for today’s musicians, and they totally rocked those wigs and stockings. Thus, it’s important for children to have an early exposure to and an appreciation of classical music.
Appreciation purely means respecting another genre of music and acknowledging its importance. It’s just another way to broaden your child’s horizons. Classical music is no different from classical literature or ancient art. It is a timeless treasure.
We can’t expect a young child to fall in love with classical music right away. It took me a long time to grasp the importance of classical music and develop a passion for it. Like many kids, I grew up surrounded by music. I used to think of music as nothing more than just ear candy. At first, classical music was strange and unfamiliar. Yet, over time, I realized that many of my favorite songs had their origins rooted deeply in musical history.
Building appreciation for classical music is not hard. Actually, exposing kids to it can become an adventure filled with new experiences for both parent and child.
Start at home
Music appreciation should start at home. Believe it or not, classical music still plays a pivotal role in today’s culture. Keep your ears open, and you’ll hear some famous pieces on TV or the radio. Try to slowly incorporate classical music into your daily life. My parents used to bring home fun CDs and videos from the library that presented some famous composers and their well-known work in creative ways.
When I was little, my favorite video was Disney’s “Fantasia,” which combined the magic of animation with classical pieces. I also enjoyed listening to the “Beethoven’s Wig” series, a collection of CDs that set prominent classical pieces to humorous lyrics. Not only was I singing the songs all around the house, I also learned a lot about music history.
My family would also play classical music while we ate lunch or dinner. The exposure can whet a child’s curiosity, encouraging her to accept it and perhaps even come to like it.
A live performance
While listening to music and watching videos can be enjoyable, experiencing a live performance can truly change a child’s perspective of classical music. The theatricality of the performers, the atmosphere at the theater, and the excitement of the crowd can make the experience more memorable. New York City has so many venues that offer a variety of performances.
Classical music never enthralled me much until I experienced it firsthand. When I was 6, my parents took me to see the New York City Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker.” The beautiful ballerinas and the vivid, colorful scenery kept me on the edge of my seat. The story of the magical land captivated me, but what I really fell in love with was Tchaikovsky’s amazing score. For weeks afterward, I was still humming the tunes, and today, I still know every song by heart.
Happily, these experiences don’t have to deplete your pocketbook. Be on the lookout for free concerts at local parks, libraries, or community theaters. Some shows are even kid-friendly or provide an educational activity prior to or after the show. I once attended an hour-long family concert at Carnegie Hall for only a few dollars. The show was the perfect length to hold my attention and provided jokes and stories to keep me interested.
Learn an instrument
The best way for a child to truly appreciate the joy of classical music is by learning to play an instrument. It not only fosters discipline, focus, and determination, but it also helps kids immerse themselves in famous composers and music history. If a child can play a famous piece, she will feel more connected and more willing to accept this genre of music.
My first, real, musical experience came when my parents signed me up for piano lessons at a local music school. For me, learning to play certain pieces really motivated me to appreciate music. The moment I completed all four movements of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” I knew that a passion had blossomed.
So encourage your family to listen to the crown jewels of classical music. Experience music together and have fun along the way. Find your own unique way of introducing classical music to your kids. It’s enriching, and maybe they’ll wind up adding a sonata or two to their iPod.
Aglaia Ho is a 16-year-old student from Queens who enjoys writing. Her work has been published in Creative Kids, Skipping Stones, Daily News/Children’s Pressline, and The State of the Wild.
