Daily listening to the recording creates the “mother tongue” language learning that allows children to attain fluency in music. Two kinds of listening are valuable: 1) Background listening (music playing softly as the child goes about their activities); and 2) Actively listening and sometimes singing along. Ideally there is a blend of both in a typical day.
Try to play the entire recording 1–2 times daily beginning one month before your child starts lessons, continuing throughout their study in the book. Their familiarity with the melodies, lyrics, and harmony will deepen throughout this time.
As someone already “fluent” in the language of Western music, you will internalize and be less interested in the songs much more quickly than your child will, but this is not a good measurement of when your child has “listened enough.” Children enjoy hearing the same music over and over, and we have found that students are more motivated and progress more quickly when they are listening daily.
As you prepare to begin lessons we suggest setting up high-quality music players in your kitchen, living area and/or playroom, and your child’s bedroom. This will ensure that accomplishing the daily listening assignments is nearly effortless. Please find the recording for Kaleidoscopes Book 1 here: