In a world of streaming music, playlists, and MP3s, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get Generation Z kids hooked on classical music. Kids today have so many entertainment options that they may not stop to listen to the delicate stylings of Bach or Beethoven.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can make classical music more relevant and appealing to your kids. We’ve compiled some of these ideas below now it’s up to you to bring them into practice (and watch your kids fall in love with the classics).
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Introduce classical pieces with captivating melodies. |
| 2. Attend classical music concerts together. |
| 3. Make classical music a fun and interactive experience. |
| 4. Connect classical music to their favorite movies/shows. |
| 5. Explore modern artists who incorporate classical elements. |
| 6. Use animated storytelling to make classical music appealing. |
| 7. Offer flexible learning options for musical exploration. |
| 8. Showcase the cognitive and emotional benefits of music. |
| 9. Let kids explore different musical instruments. |
| 10. Incorporate interactive apps and musical games. |
1. Use Classical Music As A Reward
One of the best ways to get your kids interested in classical music is by rewarding them with it. You can use classical music as a reward for good behavior, good grades, good sportsmanship, and more.
Here are some ideas:
If they behave well at home while you’re cooking dinner or cleaning the house, give them a few minutes of classical music on their favorite device.
If they make all A’s on their report card (or whatever other measure of success that works for your family), let them choose what we will listen to in the car for one week (or whatever amount of time seems fair).
And don’t forget mommy/daddy/etc. you deserve some time off from driving so you can listen too!
If they’re respectful toward teachers or other students at school (no bullying allowed), try playing a classical playlist during lunchtime once per week for two weeks straight.
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2. Make The Classics Relevant
You’ve probably heard of classical music, but what does it mean? If you or your child is unfamiliar with the term, you should start by explaining that it refers to a broad range of musical genres from different periods.
“Classical” also refers to the kind of music played by orchestras and symphonies. As a bonus, this genre has been around for hundreds of years!
To show how relevant these types of compositions are today and in the future, here are some examples:
- Beethoven composed some pretty famous pieces like his 5th Symphony and 9th Symphony; they’re still performed today by orchestras worldwide.
- Mozart wrote symphonies like his 41st Symphony which continues to be played today in concert halls everywhere.
- Johann Strauss II composed waltzes such as The Blue Danube Waltz which have become famous all over again thanks in part due to their use in movies like Black Swan (2010), Titanic (1997), and Scent Of A Woman (1992), Forrest Gump (1994).
3. Use Music As A Lullaby
Music can be a great way to soothe your child to sleep. The key is choosing songs that have a slow tempo and aren’t too loud.
Choose music you are familiar with, so that you won’t get lost in the lyrics or feel like you’re missing any of the nuances of the melody.
If possible, play the song as part of an ongoing bedtime routine: reading a book together or telling stories before putting your child down for a nap or nighttime sleep will help them associate music with sleepiness.
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4. Don’t Dismiss New Music
Don’t dismiss new music because it is new, or because it’s not classical. You might be surprised to find that the soundtrack to your child’s favorite video game or show is actually by a classically trained composer!
Tons of great composers didn’t just write concertos; they were writing for theater, film, and television as well as other genres where their music isn’t usually considered “classical.”
If you have a problem with labeling something “classical” simply because it isn’t written for an orchestra setting alone, then maybe this isn’t your path anyway.
5. Teach Your Children To Play An Instrument
If you want to get your kids interested in classical music, why not teach them to play an instrument? Learning to play a musical instrument is something that can be done at any age, and it’s never too late to start. The benefits of playing an instrument include:
Improved focus: Playing music requires focus, discipline, and attention to detail—all of which are great life skills for anyone to have.
Better memory: Music training has been shown time and time again as being able to improve memory function by 20% on average! It also can help with age-related memory decline.
Stress relief: Playing music can lower stress levels by as much as 68% according to recent research! You’ll find yourself feeling calmer after just one session thanks partly due to too increased oxytocin production (the “love” hormone).
6. Learn About The Makers Of The Music
When the kids are young, they’ll want to know the names of the composers, performers, and pieces. When they’re a bit older, they can learn about the instruments used and orchestras that perform the music.
When they’re ready for more advanced listening experiences, there’s an entire world of conductors who bring it all together.
With classical music performances happening all over town in Vancouver and beyond (in addition to what you may already be familiar with), there’s no shortage of opportunities for your family to get involved with this art form!
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7. Take Them To Live Performances
When it comes to getting kids interested in classical music, you can’t go wrong with a live performance. You should take them to see an orchestra or choir and explain that these groups are made up of individuals who have worked hard to learn their instruments or sing well.
Explain that you’re taking your kid to this concert because the venue is special: maybe it’s beautiful, old-fashioned architecture; maybe its acoustics help the musicians sound better than they would if playing within most other spaces.
And if there are seats available where your kids can see what’s going on onstage? Even better!
8. Download Classical And Modern Music Mix Apps On Your Phone
If you’re looking for a way to get your kids interested in classical music, download some of the following apps on your phone:
Livestreaming concerts and opera performances. This will show them what live classical music is like! You can also stream concerts and operas online if you don’t have access to an app.
Mixing modern songs with classical pieces. Several apps allow you to mix two types of music, creating something entirely new! If you want to try this at home, ask your kids what kinds of sounds they’d like to hear together.
Then pick those sounds out one by one you’ll probably end up with something pretty cool! And don’t forget about other genres besides rock and rap!
Jazz has lots of great beats too (especially when jazzed up). Or maybe even pop-punk, who knows? Go crazy! The possibilities are endless when it comes down
9. Play Broadway Musicals In The Car Or On A Portable Speaker
Broadway musicals are a great way to get kids interested in classical music. The best ones feature complex scores with interesting harmonies, which is perfect for introducing your kids to the world of classical music.
Broadway musicals are also a great way to get kids interested in musical theatre. If they love the sound of that instrument or singer, maybe they’ll want to learn more about them!
Lastly, Broadway shows can be a great gateway drug for getting kids into other types of live performances theatrical productions, concerts, etcetera (you know what I mean).
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10. Let Your Kids Make A Fire Playlist With Your Guidance
The most important thing to do when getting your kids interested in classical music is to make sure they know the difference between classical and modern music.
This could mean teaching them about how Mozart’s symphonies are different from Taylor Swift’s pop songs, or it could mean letting them listen to some Bach on their own before playing a song from the Chainsmokers.
In a world where we have access to unlimited content across every genre imaginable, finding something new can be difficult and intimidating especially if you don’t know much about that particular genre!
So start by giving your kid some guidance before letting them explore on their own (and maybe even suggest a few artists).
11. Buy Tickets For Kid-Friendly Performances That Take Place During The Day
One of the best ways to get your kids interested in classical music is by exposing them to it early. It’s never too soon it’s important to start as early as possible.
The earlier a child hears classical music, the easier it will be for them to learn how to appreciate and enjoy the genre later on in life.
Children who grow up with exposure to classical music are more likely than their peers without such exposure to develop an appreciation of the genre as they age.
According to research conducted by Dr. Glenn Schellenberg at the University of Toronto (University of Toronto Press Release).
“It seems that if you listen [to] Mozart when [you’re] young,” says Schellenberg, “there is some evidence that this can improve IQ scores in children…and there may be similar effects for other types of music like jazz or rock.”
“If your child has been exposed since birth then no matter what type of background he/she has learned later on they will have already internalized certain musical concepts which would make learning other styles like pop/rock or hip hop easier.”
12. Find Out Who Among Their Friends Is Taking Lessons And Arrange For Playdates So They Can Play Together
There are many ways you can find out who among your child’s friends is taking lessons and arrange for playdates so they can play together. You can ask your child’s teacher, ask other parents, or even your friends who have children with similar interests.
You could also ask the parents of any kids that are in the music club at school. If you don’t know anyone else who has kids learning an instrument yet, then just go ahead and make some new acquaintances!
Ask around to see if there are any other kids in the neighborhood that are interested in learning an instrument.
Go up to them on the street or something and strike up a conversation about whether or not they’d want to get together sometime soon so that their budding talents might be able to be displayed on stage together one day (hopefully).
Or maybe just invite yourself over–it doesn’t matter as long as there will be some sort of musical collaboration opportunity later on down the road once these relationships have been forged between families!
There’s no time like now for making new friends… especially ones who share similar interests like classical music!
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Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of ideas and are ready to get your kids started on their classical music education.
By presenting them with these options and creating a fun, engaging atmosphere for learning, you can make sure they have some positive experiences with classical music early on.
If you’re concerned that they won’t be interested in it long-term or that they won’t stick with it as they get older, we have a few tips for keeping them engaged.
First of all, don’t force your kids to do anything they should only play an instrument if they want to! Second, make sure your child has some other activities going on outside of practice so that he or she doesn’t feel pressured by it.
And thirdly, introduce classical music into other parts of their life (like listening together while driving). As long as you approach things from the right angle, there’s no reason why this shouldn’t be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved! Good luck!
Further Reading
7 Best Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Interest in Classical Music: Discover effective strategies to inspire your child’s love for classical music.
How to Interest Kids in Music: Learn creative approaches to spark kids’ curiosity and passion for music.
Getting Millennials and Gen Zers On Board with Learning an Instrument: Explore methods to engage Millennials and Gen Zers in the pursuit of learning musical instruments.
FAQs
How can I encourage my child’s interest in classical music?
Encourage your child’s interest in classical music by introducing them to various classical pieces, attending concerts together, and making it a fun and interactive experience.
What are some creative ways to interest kids in music?
Engage kids in music by organizing musical games, using interactive apps, and letting them explore different instruments to find what resonates with their interests.
How can we get Millennials and Gen Zers interested in learning instruments?
To inspire Millennials and Gen Zers to learn instruments, showcase modern artists who incorporate classical elements, offer flexible learning options, and highlight the benefits of musical self-expression.
Are there any benefits of exposing children to classical music?
Yes, exposing children to classical music can enhance their cognitive development, improve focus and concentration, and foster an appreciation for various styles of music.
How can I make classical music appealing to young listeners?
Make classical music appealing to young listeners by using animated storytelling, relating it to their favorite movies or TV shows, and introducing them to classical pieces with catchy melodies.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
