Sometimes parents think that piano lessons are something just their child does once a week. But, the truth is this can lead to so much more. When you explore music as a family you can create life-long memories!
“I’m Not Musical.”
I hear this a lot from my clients. They, as piano parents, want their children to develop a lifelong love of music and place them in piano lessons. What I explain is that they are musical and are able to explore music as a family.
You do not, in order to considered musical, need to be able to:
- Play an instrument,
- Sing professionally (or even in key), or
- Analyze the theoretical details of a piece.
Merriam-Webster defines musical as “having an interest or talent for music”.
Rosemarie Penner
If you as a parent have an interest in music, then you are in a great place to explore and create musical experiences as a family.
Tailor The Experience To Your Family
Like many things in life, experiencing music as a family does not need to be an all or nothing proposition.
Perhaps the idea of going to the symphony makes you feel sleepy. (Haydn wrote a very special symphony for people who fell asleep towards the beginning of concerts.)
But, maybe the idea of going to a rock concert sounds like just the thing.
There is nothing that says you have to follow a “classical” way of doing things for you family. It is about experiencing music together, not doing something because you “have” to.
5 Ways to Explore Music in Your City
In parts of Canada, we celebrate Family Day each February. And, this is perfect opportunity to do something a little special together. That being said, the following ideas can work at any point in the year.
1. Go To A (Living) Music Museum
More and more museums are moving towards interactive installations, rather than quiet, “do not touch anything” spaces. Music museums are no exception to this.
A quick search online should give you some ideas of places close to your home.
For example, in Calgary we have Studio Bell: Home of the National Music Centre. Over Christmas one year, our family and my parents went downtown to check it out. After going through all four levels, we not only had gotten in quite the cardio session, but made wonderful memories as well! We even have video of one of my kids improvising a melody while I played on one of the pianos.
2. Attend Outdoor Music Festivals Or Concerts
Many cities and towns have festivals or concerts throughout the summer months. Often these are held in the city or town centre and are geared for the whole family.
Imagine taking your family to a festival and enjoying watching musicians perform right in front of you! And, perhaps getting a little treat from one of the food vendors that is sure to be close by. Or, bringing something special along with you.
3. Name That Tune
This is perfect for either in the car or when it is too cold to be outside.
There are two ways to set-up the game:
- Each person pulls together song options for the game (5+ options per person, they provide the audio)
- Pull up a random playlist on YouTube or radio station and the whole family guesses … let each family member pull up a playlist/station so it is fair.
If you want to add a little friendly competition, points can be awarded based on:
- Who answered first, or
- Name of song,
- Name of artists.
4. Make A Silly Instrument
Embrace your inner child and grab all the art supplies/recycling in the house. Give a time limit and everyone creates their own instrument.
Make up rules (or not). But, make sure that each instrument makes different sounds at the end. It could be pitched like a piano or guitar or un-pitched like drums. What matters is having fun together.
If you are looking for inspiration, watch this video of a symphony in Paraguay that makes instruments from the local landfill.
5. Video Game Dance Off
If your family loves video games, buy a game (like “Just Dance”) that allows you to dance together … or against each other.
Even you are not a DDR expert (and really not many of us are), it is fun to get exercise in a new way.
Exploring Music As A Family
You will notice that all of these ideas have one thing in common. It is about experiencing music as a family. It is about creating a memory.
What memories have you created as a family that are centered around music?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you would like to work with a piano teacher that helps families incorporate music into their daily life in easy ways, click to set up an interview to join our online piano studio!
