A parent's view: Sharon Fried-Jones
Sharon Fried-Jones is a Mum of two and has been involving both of her young children in music making since they were born. For Sharon and her family, music has always been in their lives whether it involves going to gigs and concerts, taking part in baby singing groups or just singing along to the radio.
- How important do you think it is for your children to have access to music and music making opportunities?
Very, music is so important and can really bring children out of themselves. I think if local councils can make music as accessible as possible to everyone you are only just beginning. When I was growing up, the local youth centre opened a studio where you could learn to DJ or produce. It was like a revelation. Children today have even more chance to harness that knowledge thanks to the internet, but it's still important to make sure everyone is given the opportunity.
- How have you used music at home with your children?
We play with instruments including the tambourine, jingle bells, drums, shakers, rattles, xylophone etc. We also listen to lots of music, not just nursery rhymes but music that I enjoy too. Everything from Elvis to Radiohead to Amy Winehouse and everything in between!
- At what stage did you introduce your children to music? Have you been singing to them since you were pregnant or has music been something that just happens around the home?
Well, I was going to lots of gigs when I was pregnant with my first child, so she had no choice! From then on she was exposed to plenty of music from the off, from my dodgy singing, to nursery rhymes, CDs, and organised baby singing groups and just music in general from the radio. Now my daughter knows how to use my iPod!
- Do you think your own interest in music will colour how your children come into contact with music as they grow up?
I hope so - I have such broad taste. I really hope they are open minded and enjoy music generally, whatever form it comes in - whether it's a nursery rhyme or a live concert. We plan to take them to festivals when they are older, such as Glastonbury and the Big Chill.
- Are you keen for your children to learn musical instruments?
Yes, this is something I never did as a child (although I did play the obligatory recorder!), but I would love my children to play an instrument properly, if they are keen to.
- How do you think music has helped your own children's development?
I just think they see it as another outlet to be creative. Bashing some saucepans with wooden spoons might seem like a lot of noise, but actually it's a way for them to explore music in a fun way. Sometimes I catch my daughter singing or humming to herself and it's completely made up. I know that she's happy when she's absent-mindedly singing away. So for her music is a relaxing pleasurable activity. Plus, music is so sociable: going to groups, singing or playing together - it's a way to develop their social skills. From learning to share an instrument and following instructions from the group leader or yourself, to honing listening skills, and hand/eye co-ordination. There is so much to it.
- Have you attended any organised music sessions with your children e.g. at nursery?
Yes, just local singing classes. There's a great one at the Waterman's Centre in Brentford, where young children really get to explore music. It's not just Wheels on the bus - they do world music and look at rhythms and beats of other cultures, like African or Latin. They also focus on an instrument and get a guest to come in and play to the children. It's great fun too.
Further information
To find out more about what's going on in your area, get in touch with your local council or have a look at Bongo Club's directory which lists services and local music making projects across the UK: http://www.bongoclub.org.uk/in-your-area.html
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.
