7 Ways Unschoolers Can Encourage Kids To Appreciate Music

Over the last few weeks I have received numerous requests from unschoolers asking how they can incorporate music in to their homeschool routine. 

While, I want to reiterate here that many of the different strategies that I teach for homeschoolers can also be used by unschoolers and even moms’ whose kids are in public school, I thought writing something that will work for an unstructured schedule would be useful. 

Again, whether you are an unschooler or not, even if you are a structured homeschooler, you should find one or at least two of these strategies to be useful. 

Ok, so let’s get started. 

Keep A Variety Of Instruments Around The House

One thing I love about the unschooling philosophy when compared to traditional schooling is that with unschooling, it allows the natural curiosity of the child to lead the way. 

Thus, with unschooling, learning starts with curiosity, which then leads to exploration, which then leads to learning the basics, instead of the other way around, which is how traditional learning takes place. 

So, talking about curiosity, one way to make use of that natural curiosity kids have, is to keep a variety of instruments readily available at home and let them explore them. 

Can’t think of how to collect a variety of instruments without spending a fortune? Then I hope my post, 9 ‘No Fail’ Ways To Fill Your Homeschool With Instruments, will help. 

Collect A Variety Of Books Relating To Music And Keep Them Around

These can be music books, or books on composer biographies, books about the history of music and so on. 

Want some suggestions on what composer biographies to look for? Then read my recommendations on Composer Biographies Categorized By Age.

Another equally wonderful strategy is to..

Watch Musicals

Make it a family movie night and watch a musical like the Sound of Music, or Chitty, Chitty, Bang Bang or Mary Poppins. 

Want to find out more and have a list of age appropriate Musicals? Then read my post Top 12 ‘Must See’ Musicals Categorized By Age.

Don’t have any DVDs or Blu-rays at home and don’t have a Netflix or other streaming subscription? Try to borrow DVDs and Blu-rays from your local library. You can also read my post on 7 ‘Unbelievable’ Ways To Add Musicals To Your Homeschool Library.

Read/Watch Music Biographies

This is similar to the previous suggestion. With so many amazing movies being made about some of the greatest contemporary musicians, you should not be at a loss to find something appropriate. 

Live Performances

Even though it may sound like a very expensive strategy, it doesn’t always have to be so. 

In the summer, there might be outdoor performances by live bands, brass bands and so on, that should be inexpensive. 

Also if your budget does allow you, then please do your best to take your children to a broadway or something similar. 

Join A Choir

While the local church is what first comes to mind, there are several different options here. 

Look around in your community for activities and you might be surprised at the opportunities that are available for your child. 

Take An Online Course

Even though courses are structured and may not be what most unschoolers are looking for, you have to remember, that online courses can often be completed at your child’s pace. 

Thus, providing much needed flexibility. 

Also if your child has explored and is now ready to learn the basics and eagerly asking you for it, then what better time?

Want to teach your child to play the piano? 

Then sign up for my FREE Piano Lessons and have your child Reading Music Notes & Playing the Piano in less than 5 days. 

It’s absolutely FREE, no prior knowledge is required and all you need is access to a piano or a keyboard. 

So hurry, don’t let this opportunity pass you by.