by Heather M. Ross
Listening to classical music has demonstrated health benefits such as improving sleep, managing pain and helping people relax. According to a 2014 study, it could also help stimulate the immune system.
Children can get as excited about Mozart as they can about their favorite musical artists. The key is to introduce them to classical music in various ways.
When Should I Start?
“It is important for children to learn classical music, not only pop. They develop good taste for music and imagination. It opens a new world for children,” says Elena Jivaeva.
Elena Jivaeva and her husband, Andrey Khokhlov, founded DoMiSolKids to provide music education to young children. Based in Philadelphia, DoMiSolKids offers music classes and concert experiences for children. According to Jivaeva, the best time to introduce your kids to classical music is before they are born.
“Listen while pregnant. The child inside hears everything,” she says.
Even if you didn’t start earlier, it’s not too late to try introducing your child to something new. The benefits of classical music are still within reach for you and your family.
Bring It Into the Background
Parents can help their children develop an interest in classical music by making it a part of daily life. Play it while doing the dishes, traveling in the car, giving your kids a bath, or putting the kids to bed.
Children naturally emulate their parents and other adults around them. By listening to classical music yourself, you not only reap the benefits but also set a good example for your child.
Consider Classical Music Outside the Home
Your child can enjoy classical music with more than their ears alone. Visiting a music shop in your area and looking at different instruments to understand how they make certain sounds can increase appreciation for the skill and time it took to play many types of classical music.
Classical music can also become a bonding experience for the family. Take a day to visit a live performance, have dinner together afterward and talk about what you heard. Discuss what you liked and what you thought could have been better or different. Engage your child with the music critically.
Some orchestras, such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, present concerts designed with the family in mind.
Engage Your Child Directly
Learning to play classical music themselves will provide another avenue for your children to engage with the music. Playing an instrument has the added benefits of teaching responsibility and instilling a sense of pride. Playing the musical works makes them feel a part of the piece.
If you have an older child, you can try to associate other activities they enjoy with classical music. Try painting together while listening to a classical song or cooking a meal that the family can enjoy.
Don’t give up if the first time introducing your child to classical music doesn’t go over as well as you imagined. You can’t force your child to like classical music, but the above tips can help you foster a positive relationship between your child and classical music.
