Advice needed: My two year old loves music. Has rhythm. How can we help him?

[applemarmelade]

Evening all,

My two year old boy loves music. He sways to it, dances to it, sings to it. He plays his small drum and xylophone instruments and seems to have some sense of rhythm. However my husband and I are totally un-musical and have very little idea as to how to give rein to and develop his interest. I am really hoping that we can learn from the collective wisdom on this forum.

(1) any recommendations for musical performances/concerts for toddlers?

(2) when is a good age to start learning a musical instrument?

(3) what is a good instrument to start with?

(4) any other suggestions?

THANK YOU.

[yeknomyeknom]

Moosicology is an excellent programme/cd.

[Peachpie]

Pick up a ukulele and start to learn the basics yourself... You might discover your inner musician and even if you don't, it's good fun and something to bond over. My children didn't really get down to learning an instrument to 6,7 or 8. But they had a good few years with the instruments around for fun so the could get a feel for it all. They are pretty good now, thanks to music teachers, we are not musical. But trying to learn a few bits myself definitely helped the process. They are better than me now so they like to teach me, which is good too.

[Bellenden Belle]

http://www.camberwellchoirschool.org.uk/

A brilliant local resource which offers a wonderful introduction to music learning for children as young as your little one.Because it is taught by musicians and has a built-in progression route onto learning instruments, even the classes for the very young are rooted in music practice such as developing rhythm, following a conductor, playing at different volumes.

[applemarmelade]

Thank you. I will check it out!

[applemarmelade]

I love the idea of trying to learn a bit myself to engage with the kids - that?s great. Thank you.

[singalto]

I am a music teacher and grandmother to 5. Sing to your child, clap while you sing. Just enjoy...