In the Mean Time

We are so excited to reopen the studio! In a few days our Monday classes will return, and the week after for everyone else! Soon we’ll be back together singing, playing, and making musical memories.

But in the mean time, here are a few more ideas to help you keep the musical joy and learning going at home.

1. Take a MUSIC BATH. In class we often call this “cuddle time.” It starts with some connection and calming. Turn out the lights. Hold your baby or invite your little one to crawl into your lap. Make eye contact. Breathe deeply a couple of times. This sets up both you and your child in the right mind frame for the activity. Then put on a favorite lullaby. Sing if you wish, or open that Kindermusik app and search for Suo Gan, Brahms Lullaby, or Simple Gifts. Just let that music “wash” over you and your body. Feel how your body responds to music if you eliminate all distractions and just focus on cuddling and listening.
2. Go for a LISTENING WALK. We’ve written about it on this blog before. Read about it here. It’s such a joyful way to practice active listening skills with your little one. As you walk around your neighborhood ask your child to tell you what they hear. Or maybe tell them what you hear. Do you hear a lawn mower? Do you hear bees buzzing? Do you hear cars passing? It can turn a family walk into an active listening game.
3. Go on an INSTRUMENT SCAVENGER HUNT. Gather the family and ask them to find something in the house that makes an interesting sound and could be used as an instrument. Think about things that you can shake, swish, rattle, or drum. You could turn it into a game of show and tell. Explore the different timbres of the different objects. Try “playing” the object in a variety of ways and notice how it sounds differently when you tap it vs. when you shake it, etc.
4. MAKE AN INSTRUMENT CRAFT. You know the drill . . . take an empty toilet paper roll, tape one end shut, fill it with beads, then tape the other end. Let your little one color it or cover it in stickers. Take and empty tissue box and stretch some rubber bands over it, turning it into a “guitar” they can strum or pluck. It can be as simple or as intricate as you have the energy and creativity for.
5. Now that you have instruments handy, create a FAMILY BAND. Have everyone in the household grab their instrument or their “instrument” and play together. Turn on some favorite folk music and have a jam session. Make some joyful noise! You could take turns playing as an ensemble or performing solos for each other. The sillier the better.

Let us know if you try any of these activities at home and how it went! We hope you enjoy these ideas, and until we meet again, may you fill your days with music.

Sing with you soon!