Singing is such a wonderful way for children to step into the world of music! It’s something we all do naturally—just think about how often we sing to our kids, whether it’s a lullaby or a silly song to make them smile. Singing is such a natural part of life, and for children, it’s the perfect way to develop their musical ear and sense of rhythm.
In my kodaly inspired singing club at Chiddingstone School, Sevenoaks, I love using solfège (Do, Re, Mi) and rhythm syllables (ta, ti-ti, etc.) to make music playful and engaging. These tools turn abstract musical concepts into something children can see and feel. The hand signs and body movements help them grasp how notes fit together, while rhythm syllables make beats and patterns easy to understand. It’s incredible how children's music education develops through simple singing games and songs!
I also love bringing in seasonal songs to keep things fresh and fun and with Autumn leaves falling, our melodies follow suit capturing the fun of the season, we’re working on a beautiful song called Autumn Leaf, written for children. We made colourful leaves, and during the chorus—where the melody falls—we use scarves and leaves to contour the melody, mimicking the way leaves fall from trees. It’s such a magical way for the kids to feel the shape of the music with their movements, and they really connect with the song through this kind of creative play.
As the legendary Leonard Bernstein once said, “The best way to ‘know’ a thing is in the context of another discipline. To learn something by heart, know it with your hands and sing it out loud.” Singing is such a joyful, accessible way to introduce children to music. It helps them feel connected to rhythm, melody, and the pure fun of making music. And, best of all, it’s something we all carry with us—our voices are the most personal, portable instruments there are!
If you’re looking for ways to nurture your child’s musical journey, i would really recommend starting with singing. It’s not only fun, but it also builds a solid foundation for exploring other instruments or musical paths down the road. Through singing, children can express themselves, feel the music in their bones, and fall in love with it for life!
I also offer Singing and Songwriting Birthday Parties and workshops , which are one-off, fun-filled celebrations where children who love to sing can perform in a safe, supportive environment. These parties are a great chance for kids to enjoy music creatively with friends. To learn more, feel free to visit my website at http://www.jrvox.com
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