Tips:

1. Introduce your children to music from a young age by singing to them lullabies and nursery rhymes adn encourage a love for music by listening to songs your children learn from TV shows, radio, and songs they make up.

2. Take your family to performances at local schools, universities, theatres and community events.

3. If you and your child decide on music lessons, look for a teacher who has a good rapport with children.

4. Talk to other parents whose children take lessons for suggestions, or consult with the music teacher at your child's school. (And if your community has cut out music to the attention of the school board!) Keep your child's personality in mind too. A gregarious child might enjoy singing with a choir or playing with a band more than the solitude of clarinet lessons.

5. If you've always wanted to learn to play the piano yourself, take some lessons! Show your child that it takes time and practice to master a new skill. Just make sure not to turn this into a competition.

Useful information

6. Encourage your child by asking him or her to play for you.

7. Compliment their efforts and progress, but keep in mind that few musicians become stars overnight.

8. Try to provide a quiet place and a regular time for practice.

9. Never use music as punishment!

Choosing an instrument for your child... and you

Consider what family members (even neigbours) are willing to put up with: snare drums may not be a big hit in your apartment building! Talk to music teaachers or music store employees about which instruments may be easier to learn, given your child's age and experiences.

While your child may never become a violin virtuoso, the time he spends practicing an instrument or singing in a choir will contribute to his aptitudes for problem solving, creativity, memory, coordination, and much nore, and it's great fun!