{"id":1038,"date":"2017-06-28T17:46:40","date_gmt":"2017-06-28T21:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.musictogether.com\/blog\/?p=1038"},"modified":"2025-10-17T10:57:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T14:57:30","slug":"sharing-live-music-experiences-with-your-family","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.musictogether.com\/blog\/sharing-live-music-experiences-with-your-family\/","title":{"rendered":"Sharing Live Music Experiences with Your Family"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Who doesn\u2019t love a parade? The pomp and circumstance of the music passing by is a thrill to witness at any age! In fact, live music events of all kinds are delightful. And the benefits for children extend beyond the entertainment value\u2014attending also supports music-learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performers don\u2019t have to be professionals to make an impact, either. Music Together CEO Susan Darrow remembers taking her son David to a local high school jazz band concert when he was six. \u201cHe was completely transfixed,\u201d she recalls. \u201cOn the way home, he told me that his \u2018mission in life\u2019 was to make the jazz band when he got to high school. That event had a lasting, profound effect on him . . . and, P.S., he did make the jazz band!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n \u201cThere is no doubt that going to live concerts is an important part of experiencing music and, therefore, of music development.\u201d \u2014 Ken Guilmartin, Music Together Founder\/Artistic Director.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You might not have thought about taking your child to a high school or middle school concert, but what a great idea! Older kids can be inspiring musical role models for younger children; they certainly had an impact on Susan\u2019s six-year-old. Though there were surely some mistakes in that concert, David was riveted by things beyond the performers\u2019 technical proficiency, such as their focus, passion, and teamwork.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The next time you and your child go to see live music, you can enhance the learning by providing some active support for their musical responses, just as you or your child\u2019s teacher might do during class or when playing musically at home. \"JS_blog_20170628_SharingLiveMusic_2-clapping\" If you notice your child is moving or sounding in response to the music, give them a mirror by doing it back. You can also gently tap the beat on their back or show them the beat in your own body. It\u2019s that simple. Most importantly, enjoy the concert yourself, knowing that you are sharing a special musical moment with your child. And notice how your child continues to process the concert experience through their play and their conversations with you, sometimes for weeks afterwards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although performances are not a replacement for the kind of cumulative music-learning children get in Music Together, live music experiences are an important addition to their music education. Your experience with Music Together has already taught you to think outside the \u201cchildren\u2019s music\u201d box. You now know that all kinds of music are good for children, including the music you love. You may be surprised at the diversity of places to find concerts appropriate for young children, including some that aren\u2019t always advertised to families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out our suggestions below for inspiration. You\u2019ll be bringing even more music fun into your family\u2019s life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Music Together\u2019s Family-Friendly Live Music Guide<\/div>\n

It\u2019s easy to find a variety of family-friendly, inexpensive (or even free) concerts to add to your calendar; you just need to know where to look. Your child will likely respond to the music just as they do in Music Together class, so choose a venue that supports children being children (i.e., not a formal concert environment where the audience is expected to sit still and listen silently).<\/p>\n