Introducing your little one to music is a great way to give them an edge in life! Starting early has been scientifically proven to improve not only their syntax development but also their musical aptitude. Not to mention the joy that comes with making music for children as young as six months old! It’s never too soon to get your child exposed to the wonderful world of sound. Try singing nursery rhymes or simple lullabies together with your little one – it’s amazing how kids can recognize these tunes and join in on the fun. If you have access to any instruments, let your child explore different sounds and melodies – you may be surprised at what they come up with! Encouraging your infant to clap can aid in their understanding of music. Children start acquiring knowledge from their parents and caregivers from a young age, so why not let music be a part of that learning experience? Not only is it fun for both parent and child, but you’ll also be giving them a head start in the world of music. Let melodies start flowing!
Here are a few ways you can start helping your infant recognize different aspects of music early on! They’ll be dancing and making their own music before you know it.
1. Listen to a variety of music and genres together - this will help foster an appreciation for different styles. While it may not align with your personal music preferences, introducing your child to diverse styles and genres can expand their creative expression. When children can express themselves through novel forms of music, it can enable them to better cope with their emotions. Consider the possibility of connecting your child's emotions with music that reflects their feelings. This could lead to meaningful conversations with your child and provide effective guidance on handling various emotions and adapting to different circumstances. Ultimately, this can foster emotional intelligence and resilience in your child.
2. Encourage your child to sing and make their own music by clapping, humming, or using instruments (if available). There is no particular song that you need to sing to an infant. Actually, it is not advisable to analyze your infant's reactions for signs at this stage. In the early stages, it's important to seek eye contact as a way to gauge their attention toward you. Infants are constantly learning as they take in the world around them. When your child starts imitating your vocalizations, it's a positive sign. If they can repeat the same pitch as you when you sing, then you've accomplished something great! Celebrate the small things! If your child is able to match your pitch, you can begin adjusting the pitches to aid in their understanding of intervals. Our YPV Music Studios teachers are experts in providing interval teachings that will maximize your infant's musical abilities. We will confidently guide you through the necessary steps to ensure your child's success.
3. Make movement part of the fun – try dancing together to some upbeat music! Movement is a key factor to musicianship! Here are a few fun ways you can make it part of your daily routine and teach your infant to grow in their musical abilities. You can make large circles with your hands guiding their arms like you are moving through a sea of jello. The movement will help your little one understand their physical exterior and how they can use it to create sound. You can also make silly gestures with your body, encouraging them to mimic your movements. Try having your infant march or kick with their legs, sway, and spin around in a circle. You can also guide them to clap or pat their legs at the same time as you do so. All of these activities are important to help develop rhythm, timing, and coordination. And who knows? Your little one could be the next big star!
4. Familiarize them with musical terminology such as “tempo” or “rhythm”. Maybe you know music and maybe you are a musician or maybe you simply love music and want to share that love with your baby. There are terms and vocabulary that you will want to learn and familiarize yourself with. This is the language of music. It is simple to learn and fun to use! For example, your child can learn words such as “tempo” (the speed at which the beat moves), “pitch” (the frequency or tone of a sound), and “rhythm” (the arrangement of musical sounds). By introducing musical terms, you will give them the essential foundations for developing an understanding and appreciation for music.
So, if you want to give your infant a jump start in becoming a music lover, why not get started now? Every minute spent learning about music with your baby is a moment well-spent! At YPV Music Studios, we are dedicated to providing excellent resources in music education for all ages!
5. Visit concerts and performances geared towards children – these are often interactive and engaging experiences that your little one can enjoy! We suggest infant headphones to protect their tiny eardrums, but the experience of being in a room with music can engage an infant in so many ways, like introducing new sounds, teaching them to move with the beat, and getting them used to the vibrancy of a live performance. Music is an amazing thing that can bring people together, create feelings of peace and joy, and have your little one dancing in no time!
So join us at YPV Music Studios for all of our family-friendly events and watch your infant blossom into a capable musician! We are dedicated to providing you with excellent resources in music education for all ages. Get ready to make some beautiful music together!
6. Start an instrument collection at home – it doesn't need to be expensive or fancy, but having musical instruments around like drums, and shakers (store-bought or homemade)
Letting your infant explore music is a great way to give them an advantage in understanding and appreciating music. Having instruments around the house that your infant can touch, play with, and explore will help them develop their musical aptitude. It doesn't have to be expensive or fancy – even homemade instruments like shakers from empty bottles filled with beans, rice, or stones can do the trick! As they get older, you can introduce real musical instruments into the collection so they can start learning how to make music independently.
At YPV Music Studios, we strive to provide excellent resources in music education for all ages. Our experienced teachers are here to help guide you through this wonderful process of introducing music into your infant’s life! So come join us today, and let's start making beautiful music together!
We can't wait to get in touch with you and get started with your infant's small group classes! Contact us for more information about our infant music classes and programs. We look forward to meeting you and your little one soon! Let's make some beautiful music together!