Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
MaryAnn, this week you’re offering lots of action-oriented, hands-on tips for parents to help their children really engage. I know music is a big part of your household—tell our listeners how that started, and why you consider participating in the arts such an important part of homeschool.

MaryAnn:
Well, we started out by simply listening to beautiful music, whether live, on the radio, or on CD. My husband, Jay, plays acoustic guitar both at church and at home, so the boys were always able to see him enjoying playing the guitar. We taught the twins that music is a way to worship God and to bless others.

Also, we listened to different types of music such as traditional Irish or Italian music and learned to identify what instruments sounded like, such as the flute or mandolin. Then we let the boys pick which instrument they would like to play. Austin chose violin but has recently switched to viola and has even joined an orchestra. Justin chose classical guitar and he, too, has performances and recitals that we enjoy very much.

And the boys have learned some great life lessons along the way as they've studied music, such as perseverance and discipline. So for us, music lessons have been very enriching and beneficial.

Mike:
MaryAnn, that’s terrific. Thanks for sharing that with our listeners today! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.