Sound of Music

Welcome back to school! As teacher and also parent I definitely know what back-to-school feels like. Just like our students, we teachers get pretty nervous about starting school again but we are also excited to meet new students and start new programs.

As a music teacher I am fortunate to work at a great school and have the freedom to plan a year’s worth of valuable lessons for my students. I have the best job because I get to help children learn music through a variety of fun activities. Music class gives students a unique outlet for learning that they may not otherwise get in their homeroom. I believe that education through play and fun musical activities gives students the release they need during the day and there is a lot of research out there proving that making music fires up the brain’s synapses much faster which helps students in all subject areas.

Many people ask me what I do in my classroom to help learning music to be so much fun. A lot of parents also ask my advice regarding music classes and programs outside of school hours. Maybe your school doesn’t offer music for students or maybe music classes cannot fit into your child’s schedule. There are quite a few music schools in town now and some private teachers are available if you ask around. One-on-one private music instruction is a wonderful gift to be able to provide your child. Most children start taking lessons from the age or 7 years when they are able to sit for at least 30 minutes without fidgeting and are confident readers. The key is to check out the school for yourself and see if they will be a good fit for your child. If asked, every deserving prospective teacher should allow an introductory lesson free of charge. Parents should be allowed to sit in on this lesson to see how their child responds to the prospective teacher. Keep in mind though that in order to get the best idea of how your child will do with this new teacher is for you to become a fly on the wall. Both the student and teacher should not know that you are there. At the end of the lesson the teacher may have questions for you or your child. You should be able to ask your own questions as well and if you are confident this teacher will be a good fit should let them know within a week’s time. 

While there are some good music schools and private teachers in Abu Dhabi many parents can enjoy music time with their children at home. Usually when I say this I get responses from parents like “but I’m not musical myself!” You don’t have to be a musician to explore music with your child at home. Here are some “secrets of the trade” that you can do at home with your children:

Music at Home

Babies and Toddlers

Parents with small ones at home have so many opportunities to make music with their children. From the time you find you are expecting expose your child to music. Just listen to music at home or in the car. Experiment with different types of music. When I was pregnant with my daughter I found she was an active kicker when I listened to exciting tunes and a stretcher when I listened to something calm. If you play an instrument or sing that is even better! My daughter loved it when I sang or played flute but she especially loved the piano. Singing lullabies to your child to help them sleep brings a special bond between the two of you that is invaluable. Don’t worry about your singing voice! Whatever voice you have to share is special for your child.

Toddlers are so much fun because they love to explore. Give them a rattle, a drum, a small piano or a small flute and let them go to town! Toddler band sets are relatively inexpensive and great tools for helping children explore the world of music. If money is tight you can make instruments at home that are safe and just as fun. Let your child explore with sounds from the kitchen (you might want to invest in some ear plugs but it will be great fun for your child).

Young Children- Ages 4-6

This can be a tricky time for parents. There are Kindermusik programs for families in Abu Dhabi that teach great general music skills for children at this age. Unfortunately I haven’t found any other opportunities but if you can play piano or guitar or if you know someone who does you can put together informal playgroups that are music oriented. Singing songs, playing games and exploring percussion instruments can be a fun and valuable learning experience for all.

Primary Students – Ages 7-11

This is a perfect time for your child to start playing a musical instrument. It is important to make sure you find a challenging but nurturing teacher at this age so your child develops a life-long appreciation for the enjoyment of music. The first instrument I always suggest is the piano. It is the foundation instrument for learning how to read and play music easily. Violin is a great instrument as well and if you look around you may find a Suzuki teacher to get your child started. If starting on a string instrument (including guitar), make sure the instrument size fits your child. It can be very frustrating learning a new instrument that does not fit your size. Likewise, I do not encourage students to learn woodwind or brass instruments at an early age as they can be difficult to hold for long periods of time and the lungs of a small child are not developed enough to make breathing into an instrument well very successful.

Secondary Students – Ages 12 and up

These students may have already taken a year or two on the piano, a recorder or guitar and are ready for something more challenging. This is the perfect time to give them that challenge in a positive way. If your child’s school offers a band or orchestra program it is a great idea to sign them up. These ensembles not only promote making music together with others in an ensemble setting but many students naturally often develop personal friendships with their peers as they have something in common with one another. I graduated from high school many moons ago but am still today very close to the friends I made both in high school and in university through my participation in the music ensembles offered.

The main point of this article is to help you encourage your children to enjoy music in a variety of different ways. Good luck and have a great musical school year!

Jennifer Brooks is the Elementary Music Specialist at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi. She has been teaching and inspiring young musicians for over 12 years. She has lived in the UAE for 11 years and has 1 daughter.