I have always had a strong passion for music. I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t a part of my life. Growing up as the youngest in a family of six children, attending church, concerts, various school musical events and private lessons were a natural part of my daily life.
As a young child, I began formal training in Suzuki violin. I was exposed to recordings of the pieces I would learn to play, as well as recordings of great performances from the general classical repertory. Continuous exposure to recordings is similar to the effect of immersion that naturally occurs in the process of primary language acquisition. This disciplined method of training enabled me to memorize the music and internalize the nuances of pitch, tone, timing, articulation, and dynamics demonstrated in recorded performances. Learning within the Suzuki violin classroom structure I was able to work alongside peers who shared a common repertory, musical skills, and aspirations. Social interaction and the opportunity to play as a group were important features that made lessons productive and enjoyable.
After working within the finance industry (yes – a HUGE departure from music!) for about seven years, I needed to return to my true passion – music. I was drawn to a music and movement program called Kindermusik (A Good Beginning Never Ends™). One aspect of the Kindermusik philosophy that I embrace is allowing each child to develop at his or her own pace. This is very similar to the Suzuki Method that I grew up with. I love that Kindermusik gives me the opportunity to bring parents and children together while helping each child develop a lifelong love of music and learning! I am so lucky to be able to share my passion for music with others in a creative and fun way!
Let music be an integral part of your child's life, but don't make it your mission to mold a musical genius. I love that Kindermusik is process-oriented, not performance-oriented. Child prodigies like Mozart, who wrote his first symphony at age 8, are rare. But if you offer your child a chance to be immersed in the world of music (especially if you vary the selections), he'll probably grow up to be the kind of person who appreciates all kinds of music. Encourage him to take up a musical instrument, but don't push. It's like having a beautiful Monet print hanging in a prominent place in your home - you don't force the child to look at it every day, but it's there for him to enjoy. It's an enrichment process. The presence of music is what matters! When you expose your child to culture, he acquires a taste for the things in life that will feed his soul - Music does just that!
As Shakespeare put it, "If music be the food of love, play on."
Profitons bien de la jeunesse,
Des jours qu’amène le printemps,
Aimons, rions, chantons sans cesse!
Let us take good advantage of youth,
Of the days that spring brings along,
Let us love, laugh, sing constantly!
{ Massenet – Manon, Cours-la-Reine and Gavotte }
Click here to see a related NBC Nightly News video
No comments:
Post a Comment