...And All that Jazz...
Last night, my sister and I went to a jazz concert and saw Brian Culbertson. He is one talented, (pretty cute too) guy! I think if I saw him in concert every night, 5 nights a week, I'd get a great workout! It's hard to sit still watching him dance across the stage.
Music is and always has been like nectar to my soul. When I was younger, there was a huge restriction on the types of music we were allowed to listen to. It was either Gospel or contemporary Christian music. All other stuff, we were told, was considered "bad" or "sinful" music. Still there were times when we'd go over to our cousins who were "worldly" and they'd be listening to Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang...stuff like that. The problem with that was hanging around at the house and not coming back home with a song ringing in your head. I remember one time, my sister and I were in our room singing, "Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?" and although it was being sung quietly, it was enough to get my mom's attention. She asked, "What are you singing????" After the "look" we went back to learning to play the Old Rugged Cross on our chord organ instead.
One of the things I learned from my parents is that I wouldn't restrict my kids on music that they listened to. My ex was a musician and played music from jazz to R&B and Rock so the girls were around it and in fact, grew up on it. We taught them to appreciate good music so it wasn't uncommon to find them listening to the Beatles, the Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Franks and the Drifters, as they were growing up.
The tables have turned because now, although I have my favorite cds that are continually played, they have also put music on my iPod that they enjoy. It has been a way for me to appreciate their love for music but in a wonderful way, it reminds me of them. When I'm painting or cooking, it takes me to a place where I'm reminded of their uniqueness and joy for life and I'm revitalized.
Do you listen to the music that your kids enjoy?
How do you instill the love of music in your kids?
Music is and always has been like nectar to my soul. When I was younger, there was a huge restriction on the types of music we were allowed to listen to. It was either Gospel or contemporary Christian music. All other stuff, we were told, was considered "bad" or "sinful" music. Still there were times when we'd go over to our cousins who were "worldly" and they'd be listening to Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang...stuff like that. The problem with that was hanging around at the house and not coming back home with a song ringing in your head. I remember one time, my sister and I were in our room singing, "Mr. Big Stuff, who do you think you are?" and although it was being sung quietly, it was enough to get my mom's attention. She asked, "What are you singing????" After the "look" we went back to learning to play the Old Rugged Cross on our chord organ instead.
One of the things I learned from my parents is that I wouldn't restrict my kids on music that they listened to. My ex was a musician and played music from jazz to R&B and Rock so the girls were around it and in fact, grew up on it. We taught them to appreciate good music so it wasn't uncommon to find them listening to the Beatles, the Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Michael Franks and the Drifters, as they were growing up.
The tables have turned because now, although I have my favorite cds that are continually played, they have also put music on my iPod that they enjoy. It has been a way for me to appreciate their love for music but in a wonderful way, it reminds me of them. When I'm painting or cooking, it takes me to a place where I'm reminded of their uniqueness and joy for life and I'm revitalized.
Do you listen to the music that your kids enjoy?
How do you instill the love of music in your kids?
Comments
Music and children..oh yes..I was talking about this on my blog when my son and I came home from our trip to the beach. He taught me so much about his music, I hear a lot of what my younger son listens to (though he's shocked when I know who it is!) and they are both into music from the 70s and 80s and are totally loving Beatles Rock Band!
I think music plays such a strong role in our lives...(I'm visualizing you and your sister quietly singing "Mr. Big Stuff!) and it has been proven that music helps students with Math.
I cannot imagine a world without music!
Now go put a tune on and dance your way through the weekend. God bless!!!
I'm lucky--my kids are both singer-songwriters and have the same taste in music as I do. We like listening to Neil Young, Dylan, John Prine, and others, plus they turn me on to new artists.
Elle
Check out the kiddos' "concert" a couple of days ago here, heh:
http://buckeroomama.blogspot.com/2009/09/concert-time.html
When they were little, I introduced them to every kind of music I could think of.
Both my children began in middle school band and continued band into their college years. Daughter eventually gave it up, due to a heavy schedule, but my son majored in music education and is now Band Director at a very prestigious school!
Wonderful post! Have a fun weekend.
xo
Justine :o )