5 Fun Ways to Incorporate Music into Your Family Life 

Growing up, classical music served as the backdrop of my life. Before streaming services and portable speakers, my parents wired their tuner and record player to speakers placed throughout the home so we could listen to the local classical radio station or my parents' favorite classical records all day long.  

Saturday morning errands were similarly filled with classical tunes received from the same local classical radio station. Family movie nights usually featured musicals from the fifties and sixties, featuring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Doris Day, or Frank Sinatra. 

With these musical influences as the backdrop to my everyday life, it is no surprise that my brother and I both became professional classical musicians. 

Parents can intentionally incorporate music into the fabric of their family's life, fostering musical connections and supporting their children's musical journey. Integrating music into daily routines isn’t just about lessons; it's a way to create lasting memories, boost creativity, and deepen relationships. Here are five fun ways to incorporate music into your family life, especially if you have a budding musician in your home.

Establish a Family Music Night

Creating a designated Family Music Night can transform your home into a musical haven, where everyone can participate. Set aside one evening a week for this special event. Gather everyone, turn up the lights, and get ready to share and enjoy music together.

Activities to Consider:

• Share Favorite Songs: Each family member can present a song they love. Discuss why it speaks to them and hear its story.

• Dance Together: Let loose! Dancing isn’t just fun; it’s a great way to bond and burn off energy.

• Play Instruments Together: If anyone plays an instrument, this is the time to showcase skills or just jam together.

  
  

This ritual not only nurtures musical appreciation but also strengthens family ties.

Create a Playlist Together

Making a family playlist invites everyone into the musical conversation. Sit together and gather suggestions for songs from each family member. This reinforces inclusivity, and kids will feel valued when their preferences matter.

How about dedicating a song to each family member? This can reflect their personality or a favorite memory shared. Once you’ve compiled the playlist, enjoy it during family car rides or while winding down at home.

Music Games and Challenges

Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? Spice up Family Music Night with exciting music games and challenges.

Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Music Trivia: Create teams and quiz each other on song lyrics, artist names, or music history. This is a fun way to learn about music.

• Karaoke Battles: Bring out the karaoke machine or use a karaoke app. Let each person take their turn performing, whether they sing solo or as a duet.

  
  

These games bring laughter and joy, turning learning into a delightful experience.

Watch Recorded Performances Together

Gathering around the TV to watch a live performance can be an inspiring family activity. PBS Great Performances, Live from Lincoln Center, or YouTube performances from favorite bands and musicals provide great options when planning your musical time together.

Discuss what you see and hear. Encourage family members to share their thoughts about the musicians' skills and the overall performance. This not only enriches musical knowledge but can also inspire your child to take their own play or singing to the next level.

Attend Live Music Events

Experiencing music in person adds a layer of excitement that recordings can’t capture. Attend local concerts, music festivals, or school events. These outings expose your family to new sounds and styles while building unforgettable memories.

Look for free local events, such as a Summer Concert Series, school talent shows, or even local university musical performances.

Explore Different Genres

Venturing into unfamiliar musical genres can be educational. Introduce your family to various styles, such as jazz, classical, reggae, or folk music. Each genre carries its own history and cultural significance, leading to deeper discussions about the world around you. How does the music differ, and what emotions does it evoke?

This exploration not only broadens listening preferences but also offers a chance to learn together.

Integrate Music into Daily Routines

Incorporating music into your everyday life can make daily tasks feel lighter and more fun.

Here’s how you can do that:

Use Music for Motivation

Make chores or homework more enjoyable by playing upbeat music. Create playlists that energize your family while completing tasks. This can turn a mundane job into a dance party and help keep spirits high.

Theme-Based Days

Why not create theme days? Make “Mellow Mondays” relaxing with soft music or kick-off “Upbeat Fridays” with energizing tunes to welcome the weekend. These themes can add variety and anticipation to your weekly routine.

Encourage Musical Expression

Supporting your child’s musical expression is vital. Let them curate their own playlists for activities, choose the theme of the day, or decide what music to play on car rides.

Home Jam Sessions

If parents play instruments too, encourage spontaneous jam sessions. Grab instruments, sing along, and create music together as a family. It’s a fantastic avenue for creativity and allows everyone to explore their musical side.

Allowing personal expression not only builds confidence but reinforces the idea that music can be a joyful, shared experience.

Incorporate Music into Your Family Life Today!

Incorporating music into family life enriches relationships while enhancing your child’s love for music. Through family music nights, live events, and daily routines, every moment becomes an opportunity for connection and creativity. As your child engages in these additional activities, you provide your children access to and appreciation for the arts.  If they are students of music themselves, these activities will further solidify their musical journey, creating cherished memories along the way. So, pick up those instruments, turn on your favorite playlists, and let the music play!

If learning the piano is on your list (or the list of someone you know), I would be honored to help in the journey.

It is my true honor to bring the joy of music into hearts and homes through personalized remote piano lessons that will leave you feeling inspired and accomplished. 

The process is simple:

1. Schedule a call to talk about your goals.

2. Select a lesson time.

3. Take your first lesson! 

Contact me today!