Introducing children to classical music

Maybe you learned to play the piano at a young age and remember the positive effect it had. Maybe your kids have heard snippets of classical music on such TV shows as Bluey and can even hum along. Or maybe you just want to instill an appreciation in your children. What are the first steps to introducing the wide world of classical music to children? Here are tips to get you started.

Just start listening. Encourage your children’s curiosity by asking them what they hear. Can they pick out repeating themes or particular instruments? Here is a curated stream of playful and tuneful pieces that just might have them asking for more. Check it out weekly for an all-new playlist! We also asked listeners for their ideas on the best music for kids, and they responded enthusiastically.

Tap into their imagination and creativity. Research shows that classical music evokes positive feelings in children. Help them find the emotion behind the music. Do certain pieces make them happy or sad? If the music were a picture, what would it be? Try listening to a work like Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture, which travels from hushed and dramatic to pastoral to rousing within the space of about 11 minutes.

Use music as a soundtrack to daily life. Accustom children to hearing music instead of the television in the background at home. When you’re in the car, listen to a piece and talk about it later. Did it make the ride go faster? Here are some gentle pieces to try.

Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy, which evokes moonlight:

“Morning Prayer,” from Children’s Album, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky:

Move to the music. Have a dance party! It helps internalize the beat, which is a fundamental music concept. And it’s fun! Here are some lively examples.

”Hoe-Down,” from Aaron Copland’s ballet Rodeo:

And here’s “Anitra’s Dance,” from Peer Gynt, by Edvard Grieg:

Need more ideas? Here are other activities to accompany your listening party.

Explore live music. Check your event calendars for concerts geared to children. Make it a special occasion! Dress up and invite friends to come along. If you know the concert’s setlist, play the music beforehand and compare it with seeing the musicians performing live. The Minnesota Orchestra offers Kinder Konzerts, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra offers free tickets for children 17 and under. Check out the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra, whose summer concerts at the Lake Harriet Bandshell are famously kid-friendly. Concerts by other community orchestras and bands are a good choice, too.

Use an expert guide. Check out YourClassical ClassNotes’ Listening Lessons. Fun ones include Maurice Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, Domenico Scarlatti’s Cat Fugue and George Gershwin’s Walking the Dog.