-
Step 1
Check out your local library for some books on instruments. Go through the book with your child and talk about what you see; some instruments are funny looking and may prompt questions from your children. Ask them if they can guess what the different instruments sound like then go to the Internet and look up the instruments to hear how they really sound.
-
Step 2
Visit a music store with your children so that they can handle the various instruments to see how they work.
-
Step 3
Find a concert in your area. Ask what songs are going to be highlighted in the concerts and get copies of the recordings. Listen to the recordings as background music when the kids are playing or doing homework so they become familiar with the pieces.
-
Step 4
Discuss the music with your children. Talk about things like crescendos and decrescendos (getting louder and softer) and ask the kids how the dynamics help tell the stories. This is also a good time to talk a bit about the composers so they seem like real people to your children.
-
Step 5
Arrive a few minutes early for the concert and discuss the program with your children. Talk about where the different instruments as the orchestra tunes up and discuss the role of the conductor. Remind them that people don't clap between movements (sections) but it's good to clap between actual pieces.
-
Step 6
Come up with a communication plan. It's fine to talk while people are clapping. also let them know there will be time to go to the bathroom at intermission (and make sure you go before the concert begins).
-
Step 7
Supply coloring paper and washable markers and encourage your children to color images they "see" in the music they hear. Remind them that when they color, they should use slow, simple strokes. Fast coloring makes a surprisingly loud noise during quiet musical selections. When the concert is over, ask them what feelings the music evoked.
