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These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the June, 2006 issue of "Chicago Parent Magazine."
Reviewed in this column:
Meltdown! - Justin Roberts
These reviews by Fred Koch appeared in the June, 2006 issue of "Chicago Parent Magazine." Reviewed in this column:
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Q: I have a 4-year-old who loves music. He plays toy instruments and sings, and loves going to live music performances. My husband and I are not musically talented and have no musical training at all. I would like to encourage my son’s interest, but don’t really know what to do with him. What would you recommend? A: I suggest you keep doing what you’re doing. Parents do not need to be "musically talented" or have "musical training" to provide meaningful and engaging musical experiences for their children. As any parent soon comes to realize, children are innately musical. With a little support and stimulation they express themselves very musically and without inhibition. They sing, they dance, they pretend to play musical instruments. And what a joy that is to see. It is appropriate and normal for young children to break out in song at any and all times of the day. They are simply expressing themselves in a carefree way and parents can encourage this activity—regardless of musical training. How? Here’s one simple example: When your child starts singing, join in if it is a familiar song or sing a reply if it is one of those stream-of-consciousness songs (where they sing whatever they are thinking at the moment). Better yet, sing a question back to your child and encourage him to sing a reply. The most important thing parents can do is to show they value their children’s music play by recognizing it and participating when the opportunity arises. Most parents do not have a musically trained voice, and I have found that many feel uneasy singing to and with their children. So here’s another important point to understand: Young children do not have the musical sophistication to know whether you are singing sharp or flat, in tune or out of tune. When you sing with your child you are making a vital emotional connection that cannot be substituted by even the finest recording of the finest voice for children. Whatever you do, don’t outsource this job. If we view our role to be facilitators of musical experiences for our children and drop all that baggage about our own musical abilities, we will be better suited to have our eyes wide open to see all the possibilities that are around us. Summer in the city and the suburbs offers a multitude of musical concerts (many of which are free), so pack a picnic basket, grab your blanket and take advantage of the diverse musical opportunities that are available. And remember to keep that box of musical instruments handy. Then pick a recording you like, pull out a tambourine or some maracas and start playing along. I bet your children will join in. I am convinced parents can use music as a source of play with their children and at the same time show them that we, too, value and love all that music has to offer, at whatever age. Fred’s CD pick of the month MELTDOWN!, by Justin Roberts, Carpet Square Records, www.justinroberts.org; ages 5-10. I consider it a good sign when I wake up in the morning with a song in my head. And it is especially good when the song comes from a new recording for kids. That was the case this morning. In the shower, I’m singing "I Chalk" from Chicago singer/songwriter, Justin Roberts’ new CD, "Meltdown!" Roberts’ fans will notice immediately that the music is cranked up a notch. There is more instrumentation and interesting background vocals than on previous releases. It seems as though there was a conscious effort to rock a little harder. Or it could be that with his success, he is now able to fully realize his musical visions because he has more money to spend in the studio. Either way, is it the listener (both kids and adults) who benefits. Roberts’ clever song writing is front and center here as he sings about timeless childhood themes such as imaginary friends (in this case a rhino), monsters under the bed (who seem to have the same needs as children), getting glasses and the reality of sand castles. There are a bunch of good songs on this latest CD with my two favorites being "My Brother Did It" and "I Chalk." I think this may be Roberts’ best effort yet. So if you haven’t discovered his music, this is a great place to jump in. What I enjoy most is that he isn’t satisfied, as some artists are, to just do the same type of recording time after time. Roberts seems to be committed to producing better-sounding recordings while at the same time striving to write memorable, childlike songs. He certainly did it here—without a meltdown. Go Back to Top Fred Koch lives in Lake Bluff with his wife and son and is an award-winning music educator, children's musician and producer. His Web site, www.BestChildrensMusic.com, helps parents, teachers and librarians select quality children's music. The Web site also includes an archive of all Koch's past reviews published in Chicago Parent. Please e-mail notes and comments to fred@bestchildrensmusic.com. |