Attending My First Concert: Three "M"s to Maximize Your Child's Experience
Do you remember the very first concert you attended as a child? Whether it was a symphony orchestra, a rock band, or a sing-along with your favorite children's artist, your first-time concert experience was probably a memorable one. There is nothing like the sound of a live musical performance, the excitement of the crowd, and the connection felt between the performers and the audience. If you are getting ready for your child's first concert, here are some fun things you can do—before and after the concert—to help make it an even more meaningful experience.
Three "M"s, to focus on before the concert: Music, Milieu, and Manners.
Talk about the band, the musicians, and their instruments. What kind of group will it be? Is it a concert band, orchestra, jazz band, folk group? What are the names of the instruments will you be hearing? What instrument families do they belong to? (string, brass, woodwind, percussion) What styles of music will the band be playing? Do you have other recordings in those styles? Listen to them together and compare.
In addition to the sound system, there will be a lighting system. The lights will project different colors on stage to support the songs. Speaking of lights, be sure to share that they will probably flicker on and off when it's time to be in your seats, and they will dim as the show begins.
Talk about who you will see on stage. (conductor, instrumentalists, singers) Who will you interact with before the show? (ticket-taker, the usher, the snack vendor) Explain that there will be other people there to see the show sitting in front of you, behind you, and on either side of you. Being aware of the surroundings ahead of time will help your child to relax and enjoy the show.
Postlude: The Reviews Are In!
Once the show is over, it's time to put on your critics hats and review the performance together! Lookout Ebert and Roeper, it's "Mommy and Me!" (or Daddy, Auntie, Grandpa, etc.) Talk about your favorite part of the show. Was there a least-favorite part? Were there any surprises in the show? Would you recommend the concert to your friends? Why or why not? Compare/contrast the concert to the recordings you listened to at home weeks before the show. How was the live performance different from the recorded version? Which did you like better? Why?
I hope these tips help you to maximize your child's first concert experience. Studies show that experiences in music are important to developing the whole child. Attending musical performances are an important part of those experiences, and so much fun to share together.
Enjoy the show!
Debbie Cavalier is the Dean of Continuing Education at Berklee College of Music. A prolific author, she has penned more than 100 music method books and arrangements. Debbie is also an award-winning children's musician with "Debbie and Friends" including a 2008 Parents' Choice Approved Award. For more information, please visit http://www.debbieandfriends.net