How can I encourage my toddler's interest in classical music?
My kid is two and a half and is getting really into classical music and any form of drumming. I want to encourage this interest. However, as neither my partner nor myself play any instruments, it is currently limited to watching live concerts on Youtube and playing around with a mini keyboard and a homemade drum set (washing baskets, pots and pans, you know the drill). We are also reading books about music.
I would love to show him music that's actually live, not just a recording on Youtube. I'd like to take him to a concert, e.g. one of the Sunday afternoon concerts at St Andrews on the Terrace, however I don't know if he would be able to sit still and quiet for that long. And I think it would be disrespectful to try it out there.
I need some ideas on places or events I can take him to that are suitable for a toddler and also have live music. And any other ideas on how to explore music things with him. I have never been much of a music person, but I have discovered an interest in classical and choir music recently, and am even considering learning an instrument for the first time in my life. So I am quite excited to learn more about music together with him.
Requirements for places/events to take him:
- Daytime, during the weekend
- Ideally not too expensive
- Ok with a little fidgeting/talking
- Somewhere we can leave at any time if he gets too disruptive
- Ideally somewhere with classical/folk/world music and/or drumming and/or choirs
- We don't have a car, so ideally somewhere in central/eastern suburbs.
Please tell me any ideas you have. So far I have found:
- Saturday 29th August - Orchestra Wellington - Kiri and Lou
- Saturday 19th September - SlavFest at Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre in Newtown
- Saturday 24th October - Filipino morning parade in Kilbirnie
We saw some of the opening performances at the central library and that was ideal - the music was great and we could come and go.
So please let me know of any events or places we could check out, or any other ideas for exploring music together.
Ngā mihi