Classical, opera, baroque—what’s the difference? If you wish you and your children could begin learning, appreciating, and differentiating between styles, keep your dial tuned to today’s Home School Heartbeat! Homeschool father and professional musician Dr. Ian Hodge will present a beginner’s guide to music appreciation.
Mike Smith:
Dr. Hodge, any tips for parents who would like to incorporate music appreciation in their homeschool?
Dr. Ian Hodge:
Sure! The tips are to get an instrument, get the student playing. I know of nothing that helps music development more than students and children actually doing it. And there are different ways that that could be done. You could have singing in the family; that’s a good, easy, and cheap way to develop music. Again, you go to musical activities, and get the kids playing.
Mike:
How can this help students identify different styles and develop a love for music?
Dr. Hodge:
Well, I think all success is going to come from students playing successfully. This is very important in the young years, age 8-12, or around that. Children love to be successful, and they love to be acknowledged for their achievement. I think many parents miss the opportunity by not having music in the home when the children are young. And if we can get those students actually doing things, and to be successfully doing that, getting the skill, they will then adapt themselves to the music that they prefer, as they get older. I mean, if they can’t play an instrument, it doesn’t matter what music they like—they’re bound to be only listeners rather than doers.
Mike:
So we’d rather them be “doers of the Word” rather than just listeners only.
Dr. Hodge:
Amen.
Mike:
Well, thank you very much. And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.
