Teaching Musical Appreciation to Young Children: A Gateway to the Classics
As a music lover or a music teacher, introducing the basics of musical appreciation to young children can be both a joy and an educational journey. Through a carefully curated selection of albums, you can help nurture their love for music and introduce them to diverse musical styles, from classical to contemporary. This article offers a collection of albums that can serve as an excellent starting point for musical education for kids.
Making Music Accessible: A Child’s First Steps in Musical Education
One of the fondest memories from my childhood was the presence of music in my life, both through concerts and recordings. In my grandparents' house, a piano, a harp, a flute, and violins filled the air. Not only were there musical instruments, but there were also people who played these instruments: my father, his sisters, my grandfather and his friends, my other grandfather, and grandmother.
The absence of a family slogan like “no day without music” was compensated by the constant presence of music in our lives. Full access to your record collection, and the opportunity to listen to your family and friends playing pieces from renaissance to jazz or even pop-rock, can be a valuable experience for a child. Incorporating a few pieces by Johann Strauss Jr. and Sr., Bach, and Mozart into your repertoire can provide a meaningful first step in a child's musical education.
Why recommend Strauss family, especially Johann Jr. or Sr., and Josef? Their music serves as an engaging and entertaining introduction to music. Unlike Mozart, whose music might be too refined for young children, the Strauss family's music captures the essence of pop and disco, making it easier and lighter for children to relate to.
Encouraging Full Engagement and Exploration
Music can be experienced in a multitude of ways: through dancing, moving, and drawing. Encourage a child to explore music beyond listening and engage in activities that enhance their understanding and appreciation. Use the following albums and pieces as a starting point for a fun and engaging musical journey:
Composers and Albums to Enjoy with a Young Child
Praetorius: Terpsichore dances - Explore the joy of dance through music.
Josquin: Ave Maria Virgo Serena and El Grillo (translate: funny singing cricket) - A delightful mix of vocal and rhythmic elements suitable for young listeners.
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos, Coffee Cantata - A play on coffee and a story about a woman's love for it, providing a light and fun introduction to Bach's music.
Haydn: Early Symphonies, The Creation (in English) - Explore the creation of light and weather in a way that's relatable and engaging for children.
Smetana: The Moldau River Description - A stirring description of a river, perfect for visualization and imagination.
Saint-Sans: Carnival of the Animals - Read the program as a fun and interactive way to engage with the music.
Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf - A whimsical tale that uses music to bring characters to life.
Stravinsky: The Soldier's Tale - A fascinating piece that can be a little "naughty" to add some excitement and energy.
Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra - A guide to different instruments and their sounds, followed by Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra for further reinforcement of solo sounds.
Ella Fitzgerald: The Rodgers and Hart Songbook - A delightful collection of classic songs that are easy for children to enjoy.
Bill Evans: Waltz for Debby - A gentle and musical experience perfect for calm moments.
John Coltrane: Giant Steps - An energetic piece not suitable for bed-time, perfect for days when extra energy is needed to channel.
Conclusion
With a carefully curated selection of albums and pieces, you can guide a young child through the world of music, from classical to contemporary. The key is to make it fun and engaging. Encourage quiet engagement and active exploration through dance, movement, and drawing. By sharing these musical experiences, you can help nurture a love for music and a lasting appreciation for its various styles and forms.
Remember, the goal is to make it fun and to help the child experience music in every possible way. This approach can be a valuable tool in their musical education and a source of joy and inspiration.