By Sandi Zimmerman Rebert
There is a beautiful gift you can give your children that will keep on giving to them throughout their life. It will cost you some time and money. It will cost them time, effort, and determination. But the value of that gift will continue to grow the more it is used.
The gift is music: the appreciation for, instruction in, and performance of music. Let's look at each one for a few minutes. The time you take to read this article could begin a lifetime of enjoyment and usefulness for you and your children.
Teach them to appreciate good music. Music is a powerful medium; it is the language of the soul. Therefore you must be careful to choose the best in music for your children. How can you do that? First, ask yourself what affect the music has spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically? Does it move your children to a closer relationship with the Lord or farther away from Him? Of course you'll want to check the lyrics; that goes without saying. But what about the music itself? According to Ephesians 5:19, music should be melodic. Melody (the tune) should be the prominent element, not a driving beat. All music has rhythm (how music is organized by duration of notes), of course. But the rhythm should carry the melody along, not overpower it. There are some who believe music, in itself, without words is amoral (neither right nor wrong), but all you have to do is give yourself the test of where it originates, and where it leads to realize that the music itself conveys a message. Try playing a Sousa march without tapping your foot! (Nearly impossible, isn't it? Can you picture the marching band?) Play Brahms' Lullaby for your infant (no words, just music) and you'll soon find yourself nodding off as well. Have you noticed the effects of rock (the gyrating, out of control, sexual movements that pervade today's counterculture)? What does it tell you about the music? Harmony (adding other notes and chords to the melody) should complete and enhance the piece. We tend to gravitate toward what we are accustomed to, so, a study of classical music, hymns and their origins, and good secular and sacred music from different time periods will draw them to edifying music. If you're interested in an in-depth study of musical discernment, the following books have much to offer. "Music in the Balance" and "Harmony at Home" (available from Majesty Music 1-800-334-1071).
What about instruction in music? The good news is that it is not necessary to have a musical heritage yourself to be able to impart that knowledge to your children. Anyone can learn to play an instrument or use their voice properly. To be certain, God has gifted some people with an innate ability in music, but much of it can be mastered by learning the proper techniques as well. There are only three things you need: the desire to learn, a good curriculum, and the courage to stick with it; in other words, PRACTICE! There is no shortcut. (By the way, my college drama professor always said, "Practice makes permanent, not perfect." The same holds true for music. Be sure your children practice their music correctly or they will be teaching themselves the wrong thing!)
In my opinion, the piano is best for beginning instrumental instruction. Your child will be able to understand the concepts behind music; it will all be visible on a keyboard. I would recommend a teacher who implements music theory, not just classical memorization, into her lessons. I've known students who can play classical music beautifully, but they have no understanding of what music is and how it works. They don't know the basics. They can't play a hymn. Piano method books from Alfred (available through Rainbow Resource 1-888-841-3456), Bastien (published by Kjos 1-800-797-KJOS) and my own Praising God on the Piano series (designed specifically for Christian home schooling parents to teach their own children, but also appropriate for teaching by a professional 1-207-778-9696) all include music theory which will broaden the scope of your child's musical abilities. For additional hymn arrangements I recommend the Keyboard Treasury Series (pub. by BJU Press 1-800-845-5731). These are graded on six levels to facilitate your child's developing ability and may be used to supplement any piano method course. A good course for beginners through advanced to learn hymn playing techniques is the Hymnplayer Series (available through PraiseHymnInc. 1-800-729-2821. Majesty Music has one for advanced pianist called Hymnprovisor.) Once a child has learned the fundamentals of piano, other instruments are much easier to learn.
What about singing? First you'll need to find the range of notes with which your child's voice is compatible. Anyone who plays the piano can help you with that. Secondly, teach your child to listen carefully. Often those who "can't carry a tune in a bucket" have nothing wrong with their vocal cords. They aren't keying in to where the notes are. It's a problem of "hearing" or "processing" the tones properly. The following five rules will give you a basic beginning for developing proper voice quality.
1. Stand up straight, one foot slightly in front of the other. Don't lock your knees! (You're likely to fall over!)
2. Sing from your diaphragm (the muscle below your rib cage). This is of utmost importance! (It's also a must for those learning to play a wind instrument.) A good exercise is to place your hands on either side of your rib cage and breathe through your nose. Feel your rib cage expanding? You're breathing from your diaphragm! That's the feeling you want when you sing. (Obviously, when you actually sing, you'll be breathing through your mouth, not your nose!)
3. Think of the sound coming out the top of your head. Seem strange? Believe it or not, you will find your tone is clearer.
4. Enunciate well; don't be afraid to open your mouth wider than in normal speech.
5. Focus on the most important part, the words. (It will help you forget yourself, use the right facial expression, and communicate the message of the song.)
Provide opportunities for performance. Many people like to learn music for their own enjoyment; there's nothing wrong with that. However, having opportunities to use what they've learned will help develop your children's poise, personality, and character, as well as afford the joy of sharing and the chance to be a blessing to others. Of course they will be nervous, but, the more they get used to singing or playing an instrument in public, the less nervous they will become. Besides, it will help them learn to lean on the Lord for their strength and use their talents for His glory. Possibilities for performance are endless: homeschool programs, recitals, church services, nursing homes, relatives, etc.
Your child (and perhaps you, after hearing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" over and over) will want to give up at times. Trust me, I know. My mother was a voice and piano teacher; guess who learned to play the piano and sing. My father was the high school band director; guess who learned to play the flute. Did I always enjoy practicing? No! Did I always want to practice? No! Did my parents let me quit? No! Am I thankful that they didn't? Yes!! The musical heritage they gave me is one of my most treasured possessions. So start with it and stick with it, and one day you'll hear the words from your child, "Thanks, Mom and Dad, for the gift of music."
Perhaps you have a child who is handicapped. Perhaps you've been told they can't learn any music. I beg to differ. Does your child have Downs syndrome? Try an autoharp. All they have to do is press the chord and strum. They're playing music! Another great little instrument (inexpensive, as well, and also super for preschoolers who want a chance to play something) is a Music Maker (available from Rainbow Resource Center for around $30! 1-888-841-3456) This instrument is like a small harp that lies on their lap. A musical sheet goes under the strings, clearly illustrating which strings to pluck in sequence.
I'd like to close by introducing you to a very special student and friend of mine. Several years ago Lianna decided she wanted to play the piano, but because she'd been born with just one finger and a thumb on her right hand, she was told (by a very well-meaning musician) that the piano was one instrument she could never play. Lianna is now eleven years old. She's bright, she's beautiful, and I wish you could hear her play the piano! (By the way, she's also an incredible artist!)
Copyright, 2003. The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Used with permission. Visit Sandi's site at www.dramaticdifference.com
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