| Jammin' with Your Kids: The Wonderful World of Music
by: Francie Kelley
Does music need
to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer
became quite clear to me and my husband as we observed
how our own child responded to complex melodies and
varied musical styles in the first months of her life.
When I embarked on the recording of my children's
music CD ("Wake Up & Go To Sleep", Artsong
Music) shortly after my daughter was born, it didn't
occur to me to create a happy little watered down
collection of songs made just for young listeners.
The songs simply evolved as the experiential narrative
of a new mom. My husband, jazz guitarist and composer
Pat Kelley, arranged and produced the CD bringing
his rich diverse musical experience into play and
giving the CD a broad stylistic range. Our daughter
Katie seemed delighted by the whole project, which
took four years to complete. She even contributed
song writing and vocal performances. It was only later,
when the CD was released and people began to listen,
that we discovered how much parents were moved by
it. We have received many thanks for creating music
that is a pleasure to listen to alone and with children.
Children have a more innate ability to absorb music
than most adults. At a young age they have minds that
are open to everything rather than filled with influences
telling them what they should and should not like.
Our daughter feels joy listening to Mozart, Hawaiian
music, The Beatles, or Glenn Miller. Music only requires
an open mind to find enjoyment in its beauty. The
earliest experience of music is in a child's first
cry. Crying has tone and is the earliest sound that
expresses emotion. For many infants, the next experience
of music is the intimate songs a mother sings as she
rocks and soothes her baby to sleep. Indeed this is
a mother's own sound language that is completely unique
to her and her baby. These may be some of the most
meaningful and bonding moments of the mother/infant
relationship. But where do you go from here? If you
begin to expose babies to myriad musical styles, you
can witness early responses. Even in the early weeks
of life, a baby will respond to complex classical
works. Our daughter at three weeks old reacted to
a Rachmaninoff piano concerto, eyes searching, facial
changes pronounced. Clearly these sounds had a dramatic
and positive effect. After having been very active
kicking and fussing, she became still, seemingly enthralled
in the music. By exposing kids to a variety of musical
styles, they begin to develop their response to what
moves them to sing and dance, or be calmed, and even
what turns them off. Critical listening can start
early. And by exposing them to varied music they will
develop the ability to appreciate many different styles.
Your kids are completely open and ready to absorb
anything new. There is no reason to limit what they
hear just because you might think they are too young
to understand it. Great music does not require understanding
to be enjoyed and absorbed on the most organic level.
Sometimes music helps children express what they aren't
able to articulate. In the earliest days, it is often
simply the sheer joy of singing and using the voice
that enables a child to begin to develop a love of
music. Singing just feels good, both emotionally and
physically to a child. Dancing or moving to music
is a natural expression of rhythm, which is part of
life. Encourage your children to sing and dance and
they will be more free and expressive. As you explore
the world of children's music, also introduce the
music you like to your kids. This can be a time for
both of you to explore new musical styles such as
jazz, classical, bluegrass, blues, funk, and a variety
of world and ethnic music. If you aren't sure what
to buy, visit your local library. Most libraries have
a very good section of CDs in a broad range of styles.
Ask the librarian for suggestions. Try checking out
a different style CD each week. Of course you can
browse the Internet and visit your favorite on-line
music stores. Many sites offer downloadable music
samples. Music is at the heart of a child's spirit.
In our CD "Wake Up & Go To Sleep" we
celebrate that spirit and the preciousness of childhood.
We make music for fun and for interaction. Music should
inspire little souls to think outside the box! As
your children develop a musical vocabulary, let them
take you along for the ride. Attend outdoor concerts
where kids can dance and run around to the music.
Many venues offer free concerts in the summer, in
a variety of styles. Get Jammin' with your kids. It's
a blast! Let music fill your children's hearts with
joy, and in return it will do the same for you.
Francie Kelley is a singer, songwriter,
art dealer and mom. Her CD "Wake Up and Go
to Sleep" is the winner of a prestigious 2003
Parent's Choice Award and is available on Amazon.com
and CDBaby.com. For more info about Francie and
her music, visit http://www.franciekelley.com
(Source: Goarticles.com)
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