How to Hone Interest in Music in Children: 5 Practical Ways to Foster a Lifelong Passion

Introduction

I have personally seen how music has helped my daughters discover themselves.

My older daughter has embraced vocal training and now willingly attends choir rehearsals four times a week in addition to her voice lessons.

She has found a deep connection with singing and is eager to refine her talent. Meanwhile, my younger daughter, who plays the oboe, still finds joy in doodling her favourite tunes on the piano.

She even started arranging pop music for herself and her friends to jam together recently.

These experiences have helped them grow as musicians and as individuals who understand their passions and strengths.

Music is a universal language that inspires, uplifts and transforms lives. Engaging in music from a young age enhances children's creativity and supports cognitive, emotional, and social development.

As a parent, fostering a love for music in your child can be one of the most rewarding experiences, setting them up for lifelong benefits.

This article explores practical ways to cultivate an interest in music and how music performance contributes to a child’s holistic development.

How to Inculcate an Interest in Music

1. Make Music a Part of Daily Life

Children are naturally drawn to sound and rhythm, making music an essential part of early childhood education. Finding ways to play music in daily routines helps build familiarity and enjoyment.

Playing a variety of genres at home, singing together during car rides, or using simple instruments like tambourines and keyboards can make music a natural part of a child’s environment.

Incorporating call and response songs adds an interactive element, encouraging engagement and active listening.

Parents can also create a “music corner” at home with accessible instruments or encourage children to pick a song for family sing-alongs.

Exposure to diverse musical styles broadens their appreciation and sparks curiosity, making music a regular source of joy rather than just a structured activity.

2. Encourage Active Participation

Rather than being passive listeners, encourage children to engage with music actively. Provide them simple musical toys or beginner instruments like a recorder, ukulele, or keyboard.

Singing nursery rhymes, clapping rhythms, or dancing to beats can make music an enjoyable and interactive experience for young children.

Rather than just listening to music passively, children benefit more from actively engaging with it.

Simple musical toys or beginner instruments like a recorder, ukulele, or keyboard allow them to experiment with sound.

Clapping rhythms, singing nursery rhymes, or dancing to beats makes music interactive and fun.

For younger children, body percussion activities like tapping their knees or snapping fingers to the beat can be an enjoyable introduction to rhythm and coordination.

3. Enroll Them in Music Lessons or Ensembles

Formal music lessons, combined with interactive music activities, can significantly deepen a child’s musical interest and skills.

Music education provides structured learning opportunities through private lessons, school bands, or community ensembles, helping children build confidence, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment.

Dedicated music teachers play a key role in guiding students, fostering both technical skills and a love for music.

Being part of a group—whether a wind band, orchestra, or choir—also nurtures teamwork and collaboration, helping children develop a sense of belonging while refining their musical abilities.

4. Attend Live Music Performances

Taking children to live performances, such as orchestral concerts, band recitals, or outdoor music festivals, can be a transformative experience.

Seeing musicians perform in real-time helps children visualise what they can achieve with dedication and practice.

Watching young musicians perform can be particularly inspiring, as it makes the journey feel more relatable.

Parents can also discuss the performance afterwards—asking questions about their favourite parts or the emotions the music evoked—to make the experience more meaningful.

5. Be a Supportive Listener and Role Model

Children often mirror their parents’ interests and enthusiasm. If they see music being enjoyed at home, they are more likely to develop a similar passion and feel inspired in their musical journey.

Applauding their efforts, celebrating small milestones, and showing genuine interest in their progress builds motivation and confidence.

Simple gestures, such as recording their performances to track improvement or creating a playlist of their favourite songs, reinforce their sense of achievement.

Encouragement and positive reinforcement make a significant difference in sustaining their interest in music over time.

The Benefits of Music Performance in a Child’s Development

1. Enhancing Cognitive Skills and Academic Performance

Research has shown that learning and performing music plays a vital role in early childhood development, strengthening cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.

Music engages both brain hemispheres, improving skills transferable to subjects like mathematics and language.

2. Developing Discipline and Patience

Mastering an instrument or preparing for a performance requires consistent practice, patience, and perseverance, all of which are essential for developing musical skills.

These attributes help children develop a strong work ethic that translates into other areas of their lives, such as academics and personal responsibilities.

3. Boosting Emotional Expression and Confidence

Music provides a creative outlet for children to express their emotions. Writing and performing their own songs allows them to explore their creativity and develop a personal connection to music.

Performing in front of an audience also helps build confidence and resilience, teaching them how to manage stage fright and overcome challenges.

4. Encouraging Social Skills and Teamwork

Participation in music groups or ensembles fosters collaboration and teamwork.

Children learn to listen, coordinate, and synchronise their playing with others, strengthening their communication and interpersonal skills.

5. Reducing Stress and Promoting Mental Well-being

Integrating music into daily life has therapeutic effects, helping children manage stress and emotions.

Music-making can be a source of joy, relaxation, and personal fulfilment, contributing to overall mental well-being

Conclusion

Introducing music into a child’s life is a gift that extends far beyond entertainment. Music benefits cognitive and emotional growth and social and personal development.

Parents play a crucial role in nurturing this interest by creating a musically rich environment, encouraging participation, and supporting their child’s journey.

Doing so, they help lay the foundation for a lifelong love and appreciation for music, enriching their child’s holistic development.

This article is written by Adrian Chiang, Music Director - Band Academy Singapore.

More about Adrian Chiang: https://www.adrian-chiang.com/