Following in Musical Footsteps

As parents, we may not admit this out loud, but I think several of us secretly hope our children follow in our footstep in certain ways. I am not talking about forcing them to follow in our footsteps, but haven't we all felt the pride of a child that does something similiar to how we did it?

It's about our legacy, pride, or ego. I will admit that my secret desire would be for both of my children to pick up a musical instrument - either professionally or as a hobby. I also read that children with an education in music leads to better math and science students. (I must have missed that memo when I was in school!)

So a few months ago, my dream (partially) materialized. If nothing else, it was a proud moment as a father. I was asked to play at our church bazaar. Armenian music has always been part of our bazaars which are filled with food, baked goods, games.

While I was playing on stage, my two and a half year old daughter, Aline, decided she wanted to sit on stage with me. "Yea!!" I thought, I have been dreaming of this day to happen. (I even brought a small tambourine with me, just in case it would happen).

Aline parked herself right in front of me, and I handed her a tambourine and not only did she feel comfortable to sit in front of a crowd banging on an instrument - she was in rhythm.

I certainly hope more of this will happen in the future.

If you are parent with small children, I would encourage you to think about how music can be a part of their lives. Playing a musical instrument has many benefits. Check out a short outline of some of these benefits in About.com's article on musical education.