Good Books for Parents: Music Education

Sometimes the best way to teach your child something is to learn more about it yourself.  If you are embarking on formal music education for your child, it would be prudent to learn more about how children learn, what music is best at which age, and setting reasonable expectations for their development of skill.

The following books are highly recommended, though don't forget to check out Little Amp's guide to developmental stages [1].

Good Music, Brighter Children [2]

This is a very practical guide to musical education from preschool through to high school.  Its resource section is particularly commendable for its suggestions on classical music for kids, optimal study music, songbooks, and surveys of the best books on kid's music education. An easy read for those in a hurry, it has condensed academic research into plain language so you understand the 'why' and the benefit of certain musical activities.

The Mozart Effect for Children [3]

Although the so-called 'Mozart effect' has been deemed controversial, this is the classic text on children and music by the author who coined the phrase and launched an empire of related books and music. This book covers the pre-natal to early elementary years with special sections on age-appropriate musical activities.

Raising Musical Kids [4]

This is a must-have purchase for parents planning extra-curricular music education for their children. The author provides excellent tips on when to begin music lessons, selecting a music teacher, choosing an instrument and getting kids to practice.

Nurturing Your Child With Music [5]

Written by a psychologist, not a musicologist or music researcher, this book looks at the postive emotions and self-esteem that can develop from integrating music into all aspects of life, whether toothbrushing, cooking or into the classic bedtime routine. This focus is on the health of the family using music as a bond, and should not be bought if you are looking for a guide to teaching your child musical competence.

Keeping Mozart in Mind [6]

For those with the patience for a science-based read, the author does a deep dive into his own and other research into the effects of music on the brain. Topics covered include music and math, effects on reasoning, creativity and sports.