“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks, and invents.”

-composer Ludwig van Beethoven

Earlier in the year we had a visit to our “Our Time” class from a classical violinist, David Kempthorne, who generously gave up his time to play for us. Who would have believed that a group of active toddlers, some not quite 2 years-old, could sit so still and attentively for so long?  Certainly not their mothers!  But that is the power of music – it speaks to us, communicates with us on so many levels.  It makes us want to weep, laugh or dance and captures our attention in a way that recorded music cannot.  Why is that?

Exposure to live music (as opposed to the recorded music we most often listen to on our home stereos, ipods and car radios) is a multi-sensory experience.  We see the instruments, hear the new sounds.  We interact in a much more immediate way – experiencing a new place, new faces and sharing the experience and pleasure of music as a living, breathing event.*

Take your children on a musical field trip

You don’t need to wait for your weekly Kindermusik class for a live musical experience.  During the holiday break, take your child on a musical field trip of your own – go to a parade, an outdoor concert in the park, children’s festival or concert.  The Eumundi markets often have live music and many of the cafes in the hinterland boast musicians.  This is the perfect time of year to join in with local festivities – attend a carols by candlelight and delight in being part of a music-making community.  A life-long love of music is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child and yourself!

* information re-worded from “Do-Si-Do” Home Activity #4, Do-Si-Do Teacher’s Guide p.73