Turn you day around with a Waltz and a Lullaby

It can't be said enough how important singing lullabies is.  The sound of your voice is soothing to your child.  (Even if you don't agree).  Singing lullabies to your child before bed helps them relax and fall asleep.  I encourage you to also sing tonal patterns after the lullaby.  Singing tonal patterns after a song gives your child an idea of the tonal structure of that song.  Give it a try the same way we do in class.  It may be simply singing the fifth and first notes of the key the song is in like we do in class.  Don't over think it if that doesn't make sense, just try it.

Below is a link to the New York Philharmonic playing Arirang in Korea.  Arirang is a traditional Korean folk song.  We have sung it as our lullaby in class for the past two weeks.  It is a beautiful song.  It also introduces your child to lovely Asian tonalities.

Play the video while your child is playing something else in the room.  They will enjoy listening even if they are not actively involved in watching the orchestra play.

If they are watching, point out what instruments you see in the orchestra while you listen.  Try conducting like the conductor.  Pretend you are playing the harp, violin, flute and other instruments you identify.

For our dance this week we waltzed!  I love waltzing with my children in my arms.  My favorite memories of when my oldest daughter was a baby was waltzing around her room with her and seeing her smile, laugh, and enjoy the movement of the music together.  She still loves it when I pick her up and waltz, but we also enjoy holding hands to dance through the kitchen together.  If you hit that 5:00 fussy hour and don't know what to do, try waltzing!

Here is the waltz from this week for some inspiration.