Expanding Your Child's Listening Repertoire

I’m often asked if I listen to a variety of music when I’m not teaching.  I'm pretty sure some people think I only listen to children's music 24 hours a day.  *giggle*  Not so much.  The answer?  Absolutely!  I can honestly say that I like a little bit of everything.  I try to reflect this in my teaching and choose songs from a variety of genres.  Some kids aren’t sure what they like or don’t like so I want to give them a smorgasbord of choices.

My daughter is three and loves to sing and dance and listen to music.  Unfortunately for me, she wants to hear the same song over and over.  It’s not her fault.  It’s how her brain works and helps her learn.  My son did the same thing when he was younger.  If you are trying to teach your child to enjoy more than one style of music or maybe even just more than one song, make it a game!

Freeze Dance
To play Freeze Dance choose a few songs of different genres and tempos.  Play the song and dance, dance, dance with your child.  Occasionally press pause and freeze just like you were.  The poses are so silly and fun that your child will want to play all the time!  Here are some suggestions for songs to use in different genres.

 Classical

“Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik” by Mozart
“Rodeo” by Aaron Copland
“Finale to William Tell’s Overture” by Rossini
“Syncopated Clock” by Leroy Anderson

Country

“Grandma’s Feather Bed” by John Denver
“Rocky Top” by the Osbourne Brothers
“Don’t Rock the Jukebox” by Alan Jackson
“BINGO” by Merle Haggard (found on Country for Kids by Disney)

Jazz/Blues

“Salt Peanuts” by Dizzy Gillespie
“Old MacDonald” by Ella Fitzgerald
“Potato Chips” Slim Gaillard
”What a Wonderful World” Louis Armstrong

Rock/Pop

“Walking on Sunshine”  by Katrina and the Wave
“Best Years of Our Lives” by Baha Men
“Let’s Get it Started” by the Black Eyed Peas
“Boom! Shake the Room” DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Do you have other favorites that you use with your students or children?  Let me know in the comments.  I'm always looking for new additions to my collection.