Music is a gift that parents can give their children for free, a lasting way to amuse themselves and others, express themselves, and even improve their mental health. But how can we foster a sense of musicality in our children?
Pianist and ukulele player Barbie Wong teaches children, but she also specializes in teaching parents and teachers about raising children to be musical for life. Wong speaks about her extensive research into prominent musicians and what inspired and motivated them. She says that children learn what they see around them, and that the best way to encourage musicality is through community. She talks about her own musical journey, starting as an unenthusiastic piano student, and her parenting and teaching.
Pianist and Aptos High/Junior High choir director Holly Ota seconds the idea of community, and speaks about her childhood with a musical dad and grandfather. She encourages families to seek out musical communities, whether in church or through organizations like Cabrillo Children’s Chorus, and she also encourages parents to teach children to value all of the arts.
Listen in to learn more about how to raise happy, healthy, creative human beings.
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