And then there is reality. The reality is that I picked up a guitar at a friend's house a week or two ago and realized that I haven't touched my own guitar for nearly a year. A YEAR. I'm out of tune, out of practice, and out of calluses. Not only am I not using my guitar to play for my baby, I'm not really using my voice either. Even when I rock her to sleep I go for vibration over melody. I'm not a song, I'm a purring sub-woofer.
So to those of you musical geniuses out there (Chelsea? Jocelyn? Nick? Anybody else who has a good thing going on?), how do you bring music into your homes? I'm not kicking myself yet, because I'm only 3 months into this game and there is plenty of time to improve, but I would love a few tips from people who have lived or have seen musical success.
My future teen-agers thank you in advance for helping me to be just one bit closer to hip.
6 comments:
I am not musically talented by any means but it gets a lot easier and more natural to be musical because kids love it so much. I always have to sing Luke songs before he goes to sleep now and he loves hearing music in the car or on the laptop. One of my goals is to learn how to play the guitar because I think it could really come in useful over the next few years.
I love your musical ambition. I have this goal to wake my kids up with music every morning. I have no kids yet so we'll see if it actually happens. But I've started on Friday mornings to turn on some fun music instead of the news while I'm getting ready. I can definitely tell it influences the kick-off to my day. Keep at it! You'll find what works for you and the youngins.
see if there is a Music Together class by you. We did it for 2 years and loved it.
Oh, Metta, you are a good, good mom. This will come so naturally as she gets older, since you love music already. I've done a lot of things with my kids as they've grown. One thing I did for a long time was listen to only classical music in the car. At the time it was the only thing i could tolerate with crying babies. (Lyrics+Crying=Insanity) I listened to it until they were old enough to have their own opinions about music. Even though "Annie" has trumped everything in our lives at the moment, they still love classical music and Sophie's favorite song is "Jupiter" from The Planets. Something else that was fun was the "Little Einsteins" cartoon. It is a little cheesy at times, but it gives kids a story to associate with great classical pieces. Then they recognized it when they heard it on the radio in the car. When G. gets older there are other things like "Peter and the Wolf" and "the Nutcracker Ballet" that you can be the first to introduce to her. So much to look forward to!
Metta - This is Gavin writing from TD's account. Don't give up hope. TD just started taking piano lessons in January and she can play stuff now. Even with the three kids she's managed to squeeze in about 20 minutes of practice five days a week. The secret is to just neglect the kids. Put on headphones so you can't hear them cry and go to town...or play while they're sleeping...and neglect your husband.
Gavin, I can't stop laughing. You are truly inspirational. Look at that - it is possible to develop your talents in later life if you just ignore responsibilities! Perfect! ;-)
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