How to Spark a Love for Music in Kids
If you’ve ever caught your toddler turning a saucepan into a drum kit while belting out their own remix of "Let It Go"...congrats, you've got a budding rockstar!
Or DJ. Or experimental noise artist. (Hey, we don’t judge.)
Music has a way of sneaking into little hearts and sticking around for life. So if you're keen to plant those musical seeds early (without turning into a tiger mum with a violin), here’s your cheat sheet.
1. Make Music Part of the Chaos (Ahem, Daily Life)
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Pump different genres during the day, from classical to 2000s throwbacks (yes, Missy Elliott always slaps).
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Cue spontaneous dance breaks while folding laundry. Bonus points if the dogga joins in.
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Create a morning or bedtime playlist. Think energisers for the “get your shoes on!” chaos and lullabies for the post-bath wind-down.
2. Instruments: Because Kitchen Utensils Deserve a Break
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Start with fun, no-pressure stuff like rattles and shakers, handbells or mini tambourines!
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Let them poke around on keyboards or bang a hand drum like they’re headlining Coachella.
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DIY counts too! A tissue box + rubber bands = guitar. Just maybe don’t leave them alone with it... because, eyes are important to keep.
3. Interactive = Less Screen-time Guilt
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Join a local music class like Baby Block in Mount Pritchard in NSW, or Mini Maestros in VIC which even offer free demo classes.
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Want online? Try Wee Make Music at Home for babies 3–14 months old: interactive, brain-boosting sessions.
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Or check out Joey Jigs & Einsteinz Music (baby-toddler programs across Sydney) – fun movement + music = magic.
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Make a game out of clapping, stomping, or slapping the couch like it’s a drum kit. (Because, let’s face it, it already is.)
4. Be Their Role Model or Backup Dancer
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Show them that music matters. Even if your singing voice is less Adele and more… "enthusiastic".
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Bust out the songs from your childhood. Aqua? Destiny’s Child? The Wiggles (OG era).
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Celebrate every beep, bop, and boom they come up with. Confidence builds creativity!
5. Link Music to What They Already Love
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Got a story-lover? Try soundtracks or musical storytelling with The Beanies Australia’s entertaining kids’ group, perfect for podcast lovers.
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Learning songs = sneaky education. Numbers, letters, languages: there’s a banger for everything. (Think: The ABC song, ABC Phonics, 5 Little Ducks, Once I Caught A Fish Alive, One Two Buckle My Shoe, I Can Sing A Rainbow, Did You Ever See a Blue Dog? etc...
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Get them to write a song about dinosaurs, or trucks, or their deep emotional connection to bananas. Whatever they’re into!
BONUS TIP: Make It a Party
Music is better with mates. Host a living room concert (audience: teddies), plan a musical playdate, or hit up a kid-friendly gig like Baby Music Jam at Sydney Opera House (ages 6 mo–2 yrs). The more they see music as a good time, the more they’ll keep coming back.
🎵 Because honestly? The music does sound better with them. 🎵
More music mischief and tips coming your way...stay tuned!
Love,
Anika + the Sneaky Music crew x