Handy Hints:
- Don't be disheartened if your child doesn't respond to your musical efforts. Although it is never too early to start, children develop their innate musicality at different ages.
- Most termly music classes offer a free trial session so make sure you try it out before signing up.
- Encourage a wide range of music genres from an early age and don't make the mistake of just playing one CD repeatedly. Your child may grow to love it a little too much and will insist on having it on constantly which can drive parents crazy!
- Don't spend a fortune on musical instruments. Making homemade versions from household objects (pots and pans, empty bottles etc.) is a more fun and economical way to get children interested in making music at home.
- Don't be afraid to make up your own lyrics and actions to favourite songs. There is no right way to make music.
- Playing the same calming music at bedtime teaches babies to associate it with sleep. Invest in a noise-activated lullaby box that switches itself on if they become unsettled in the night. This can be taken away on holiday to help create familiarity in otherwise unfamiliar surroundings.
- Playing music in the car can help calm a child who is unhappy to be strapped in their car seat.
Youth Music
Youth Music exists to facilitate and fund high quality and diverse musical experiences for young people up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need.
