I cannot carry a tune in a bucket. By some crazy miracle, my first born sounds like an angel when he sings. He can play the guitar and is actually able to tell you the note you are playing without watching what string you pluck….in fact, I’m not even sure it’s called a string. I know there’s a “fret.” Do you see where I’m going here? I don’t have any musical ability. None. Nada. Zilch. So, it never crossed my mind to investigate music or instrument lessons for any of my children, until his school teacher mentioned it.
Research has shown that music enhances so many other areas of a child’s life. It can improve dexterity, creativity, self-discipline, self esteem, coordination and so many other things! Just think about it. How much focus does it take to learn the piano? All of those keys! All of those notes to read! Just thinking about it overwhelms me….but then again, there is that lack of talent thing going for me.
One thing I have noticed is that playing guitar, most of the time, has a calming effect on my son. He is very serious about it, though sometimes too serious. It seems to balance his life a little, if that makes sense. He performed in his school’s talent show recently and that did wonders for his self-esteem. I’ll admit we almost had to make room for his head in the van on the ride home. All kidding aside, this has been a fantastic experience for him that I hope he will continue and build on for the rest of his life.
Do you think your child may have some hidden talent? Do they love to sing? Or, do you just want them to relax and giggle a little while they explore their musical side? There are so many opportunities in our neck of the woods for music lessons, camps or just fun activities for all ages. There are even classes and opportunities for adults!
- Little Songbird Music Studio in Northern Kentucky offers singing, dance and musical instrument exploration for children from birth to 8 years old. Little Songbird Music Studio does not strive to create musical prodigies, but instead hopes to help them develop a lifelong love of music. They know that it is easier to learn the foundation of music at an early age. This will help your child identify the differences in chords and keys later in life. They will be able to tell if they are out of tune when they play an instrument. They will have a better ear for music!
- Northern Kentucky School of Music of Immanuel United Methodist Church on Dixie Highway in Northern Kentucky offers classes or private instruction for students of preschool age thru adults in choir, orchestra, suzuki violin, suzuki flute and kindermusik (birth to 5 years). They also offer a summer camp!
- Wert Music in Northern Kentucky offers group and individual lessons. They also offer two free group classes when you buy or rent an instrument from them.
- Growing Sound offers educational children’s music and teaching materials. They not only have cds, but also have performances listed on their website. They understand the importance of music in the life of a child.
- Cincinnati Music Academy is located in the Kenwood area and offers a variety of musical instrument lessons taught by a staff of more than 30 professional music teachers. Students range in age from children to adult and are both beginners and advanced levels. They are able to focus on their love of music and increase their knowledge.
- Kindermusik by Cathy Siebert, LLC serving the southeast Cincinnati area helps children explore music through song and movement.
- Most public libraries offer weekly story and music time for babies, toddlers and preschool age children. They will also have a selection of music cds especially for children.
- Churches offer choir and singing for both children and adults. Many also offer instrument opportunities such as piano, handbell or string.
- Elementary schools typically have music classes but may also offer specific musical instrument lessons.
The common thread I found among all of the places I researched for musical opportunities was how great music is for kids. It can increase their grade point average and and improve their math skills. Kids can develop life long friendships and a strong foundation of music skills. And, they will have fun.
If you would rather find a person who gives lessons on the side, check any of these places to see if anyone offers private instruction. After my son’s teacher mentioned he may benefit from playing an instrument, I talked to the youth director at our church and she introduced me to his current guitar teacher. If you try a particular program or lesson and it doesn’t work for your child, don’t be discouraged….try something different! Maybe that is not the right instrument or program for them. Everyone learns in a different manner. Let them explore, and above all, have fun!
When not blogging for Family Friendly Cincinnati, you can find Michelle writing at her personal blog, I’m Living the Good Life.
