How to Teach a Child to Like Opera

Are you hoping to introduce your child to the finer things in life like good food, dancing and music? Has grandma offered to take her to an opera and you are hoping she doesn’t get restless before the curtain has even gone up? You can help prepare your child for going to the opera by following these easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Call or email your local opera company to see what shows are planned for that season. Ask for a recommendation from the company staff member of the show that would be most appealing to a child. Usually a comic opera or an opera that has children in it is the best bet.

2. Check out the music from the library. If the story is a fairy tale, also check out the book.

3. Read the story to your child several times and listen to the music as often as you can. If your child likes a particular number, he may ask for it again and again. The more familiar he is with the music the better.

4. Try drawing some pictures about the characters in the story.

5. Talk about all the elements that go into an opera like the story, the songs, the costumes and the sets. Again, the more familiar she is with what to expect, the more interested and excited she'll feel. If you or grandma have been to the opera, describe to her how finely people dress up and what a spectacle the whole experience will be.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child gets restless during the performance, take him out of the auditorium. You can still watch from the TV monitors in the lobby or let her run up and down the stairs to get out that excess energy. But remember, once you're outside, you won't be allowed in until after the next intermission.
• Plan to spend a little cash during intermission on a snack. He'll feel less restless with a full tummy.