Implementing music in your child’s life- with Dr. Helen Julia Minors

In a recent podcast interview with Dr. Helen Julia Minors, alongside my co-host Ronnie, I asked what we as parents could do in order to implement more music into our children’s life. I learned 4 really interesting things I wanted to share with you, as well as suggestions for how to utilise these tips. If you wish to learn more about the incredible Dr. Minors you can access her website here.

Also, listen here to part 1 of the podcast! And stay tuned for part 2.

1. Variety is Vital.

A top tip from Dr. Minors is variety. She suggested listening to something out of the ordinary, like Indian classical music, music from Singapore, or from wherever in the world. By doing so the children get used to more forms of different music literacies. We are more likely to accept differences if we hear it and see it more often. Dr. Minors suggested YouTube or Spotify for finding music from all over the world for the children to listen to. Down below I have attached the premier of a Kids Music Café: Around the World. In the video, you can hear music from all over the world performed by excellent musicians including guided movements and interesting facts along the way. As Dr. Minors says on her own radio show, ‘you travel and go on your journey, without leaving your seat.’

Image of clip from Kids Music Café: Around the World Access the video here.

2. Utilise the Utensils.

According to Dr. Minors, using whatever you have in the house or available to you, to create instruments, is a wonderful practice for your child. You can use pots, pans, kitchen utensils. The only limitation is your imagination! At Beat Goes On you can locate free resources for body percussion and Zumba drumming.

Image from Beat Goes On webpage.

Access the page here.

3. Bring your Boldness.

Dr. Minors said it is important encourage your children to be bold and break the rules when making music in order to create something new. She gave the example of how Jazz and harmonies was not created by someone who sat down and wrote it out. Allow the music making to happen, and whatever it sounds like, encourage it! Which leads us to our final point.

4. Cultivate Confidence.

Dr. Minors emphasises the importance of when your child is doing some form of music making, tell them “Well done!”. Give positive feedback and reassurance. This grows their confidence, and it is good as it will be their own voice.