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mara williams
on May 21 2013 - 06:00 AM
Summer break has this mom on a house upkeep war path.
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The sound of a three-year-old pounding on a full drum kit in the basement isn’t as bad as I’d dreaded. In fact, I kind of like it. It’s the sound of creativity.
Up until last Saturday, our house was nearly free of loud toys – especially anything that takes batteries. For more than five years with kids we’ve had a pretty tranquil home. Now we have a fully-chatty Buzz Lightyear doll that says 50 different things and makes a ton of racket. Oh yeah, and the drum kit with a cymbal – both birthday gifts for three-year-old Willa.
“You’re a brave man,” a mom told me recently – referring to the drums.
“Not really,” I answered, “just blissfully ignorant.”
If there’s an instrument involved, I don’t care how much volume is created. For me, that’s not noise; it’s music! Sure, an incessant screeching harmonica can grate on my nerves, but I so much prefer that than some electronic plastic thingy that beeps and boings.
Recently I received an email from a mom seeking a recommendation about how to encourage her son who is fascinated by instruments, but can’t sit with interest through a pre-school music class. She felt the classes were too “girly” for him. I suggested drum lessons. What little boy (or girl) doesn’t like to bang on stuff and let the world know he’s here?
And I tell parents all the time that even though you may have never played an instrument or don’t feel especially gifted when it comes to music, don’t assume your kid will be the same way. Out of my immediate family of 10 (yep, eight kids), I’m the only one who plays an instrument, and I really only play well enough to fake it.
If your kids aren’t going to catch the music bug from you, expose them to as much live music as you can and let them see people making music – especially other kids – and that may inspire them to do the same. That’s the main reason I get kids up on stage during my shows to shake shakers and bang on drums. They get to feel it for themselves and express their own rhythm. And they’re never too young to start.
And next week at Jiggle Jam (www.kcjigglejam.com) we’ve got something new that’s perfect for kids who want to get their hands on some instruments. The “Garage Band” is exactly how it sounds – a comfortable space for parents and kids to jam out and hang out. Instruments will be set out in this garage-decorated tent for music exploration. It’s sponsored by Funky Munky Music, and they'll be on hand to help kids get started on playing an instrument. This tent is limited to ages 7 and up. But there’s never an age limit at my shows, and your child (or you!) just might get a chance to be part of one of my impromptu jam sessions.
As we always say, “A family that rocks together stays together!”
kids + music = brilliance. Good for you for allowing your daughter her "creativity". You are brave... at least braver than me.We have our Jiggle Jam tix! (Got them at Prrrrriiiiice-Chopper (said with Bill Grigsby enthusiasm even though they are not the official Chiefs grocery store anymore are they?) I love exposing my kids to music, though some ventures are more successful than others -- see previous post: http://www.mom2momkc.com/?a=profile&u=66&t=blog&blog_id=2049
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