Giving a child homeschool music lessons is a great way to introduce them to a variety of musical styles, instruments and basic math concepts. Parents may teach the music classes themselves or hire someone to give their child lessons. Whether a parent wants to use music in the classroom everyday or elect to leave it to other professionals during the week, it is a class that shouldn't be neglected in any curriculum.
Why Music is Important
Music is taught to young children in countries all over the world. Most parents begin by singing to their children as infants and then move on to playing various children's music CD's and videos or playing musical instruments. Children have a natural interest in music and many can hum familiar tunes before they even learn to talk. Music is used as a form of creative expression as well as a way to share one's culture with others.
Since music is commonly viewed as an art form, it may be neglected in lieu of other classroom subjects and saved for days when it is rainy outdoors and there isn't anything else to do. However, music should be used frequently in the homeschool classroom - daily if possible and here's why:
- Music teaches self-discipline and cooperation with others
- Music encourages creativity
- Music helps children develop their spatial I.Q.
- Music teaches cultural diversity
- Students who study music score 22 percent higher in English and 20 percent higher in Math standardized tests (according to the MENC Journal of Research in Music)
About Homeschool Music Lessons
When children are young, it is very easy to include music into their curriculum. Music can be played throughout the day, such as using it while they are cleaning up after a school activity, while they are doing art projects or to help them rest or take a nap in the middle of the day. Young children may also learn to play a variety of musical instruments, from banging on a drum to playing the violin. The scope of their learning opportunities are only limited by their enthusiasm to try new things and of course, the homeschool budget.
Older children may wish to expand on what they've already learned at home by taking classes by music professionals. Music classes should include instrumental as well as voice lessons. Everyone is talented in different ways when it comes to music; some may excel at playing instruments while others are more comfortable singing. Give children the opportunity to play more than one instrument. They may want to try out drums and then decide to switch to the violin later. While children are in the trial period, figuring out which instrument best suits them, consider renting or borrowing instruments. This can help parents avoid frustration and keep the classroom budget in check.
Classroom Lessons
Even if your child is taking music lessons outside of the homeschool classroom, there is still much that can be taught at home. The following are a few of the ways that music can be used on a regular basis:
- Music history - study the great composers. There are many books on the subject that may be borrowed from the local library, as well as DVDs for many of the classical composers.
- General music studies - study the symbols, notes, time signatures and other aspects of musical compositions.
- Watch educational videos - there are many videos available at local libraries that feature music and historical backgrounds of musicians, both past and present. Many of these videos may also be purchased through online retailers, such as Amazon.com.
- Go to the symphony - sometimes a real interest can be generated in music by seeing an orchestra in person. Many symphony orchestras have matinees scheduled with children attendees in mind.
- Take a field trip - go see musicians and singers at local venues, such as Renaissance fairs, Fourth of July celebrations and regional festivals.
- Use music during other classes - music can be playing softly while teaching other subjects, especially during art class.
Homeschool music lessons provide many opportunities to teach children about music. From field trips to a symphony orchestra to simply reading about Mozart, children can learn a lot about themselves and others through music. The end result may be a child that not only has cultivated an appreciation for music, but also excels in math and English as well!
