Nurture a love of music in your child, even if you don’t consider yourself musical
Many professional musicians, and even musical hobbyists often describe their fond memories of music growing up. They might mention how mom would sing them the same lullaby every night, or the bands that dad would play in the car. Here’s what many parents need to hear: you don’t need to be a trained musician to raise a musical child. You don’t even need to be a “good” singer. What your child really needs is you engaged, present, and sharing music with joy.
Creating a musical home is one of the greatest gifts you can give your little one. It builds language skills, coordination, emotional expression, and most of all, a lifelong love of music.
Here’s how to bring music into your home in simple, everyday ways.
Sing Simple Songs at Home – Even If You Don’t Think You’re a Good Singer
Your child doesn’t care if you’re in tune, they care that it’s your voice. Singing around the house helps children connect music with warmth, safety, and fun. Try singing or humming while getting dressed, during bath time, or as part of your bedtime routine.
Even the simplest songs (“Twinkle Twinkle,” “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” or made-up ditties) help build your child’s ear for melody and rhythm. And the more you sing, the more confident you’ll become.
Use Chants and Rhymes for Everyday Activities
Musical play doesn’t always need a melody. Rhymes, chants, and rhythm games are powerful tools for early learning. They support speech development, rhythm, and memory. Plus, they’re fun!
Clap out syllables, make up silly rhymes, or recite classics like “Pat-a-cake” and “Hickory Dickory Dock.” Kids love repetition, and these playful routines create a musical foundation that lasts.
Chants can even teach children life skills. Tying their shoes, brushing their teeth, and getting ready to go out can all be reinforced with rhymes!
Play Music at Home and in the Car
Fill your child’s world with a wide variety of music. Play it while you cook, during playtime, or on car rides. Let them hear different styles: classical, jazz, folk, world music, and of course, children’s songs.
Don’t worry about “educational” or “family hits” playlists, just choose music that you enjoy and tunes that spark curiosity. Move together to the beat, sing along, and let them see how much you love it, too.
Model Enjoyment
Children learn by watching, even if they don’t seem like they’re paying attention. When they see you smiling, moving, and engaging with music, they understand that music is something to love! You don’t need formal training or “natural talent,” you just need to show up. Clap your hands, wiggle your hips, hum a tune and enjoy the moment with your child. That joy is contagious.
Want More Musical Moments? Join a Music Together™ Class!
If you’re looking for a fun, enriching way to bring music into your family’s life, Music Together at Highland Music Studio is the perfect place to start.
Classes are designed for children from newborn to age 5 and the grownups who love them. You’ll sing, dance, play, and connect through music, all guided by expert teachers who make it easy and fun, even if you’ve never taken a music class before.
You’ll even take home songs, activities, and inspiration to keep the music going all week long.
Click here to learn more about Music Together, and check out this link to try a class for 50% off. Summer session starts on June 2nd, so don’t wait!