Classical Music Appreciation For Children
This may only seem like an extra to you, but please don't underestimate the importance of teaching your child to have a proper appreciation for music. A proper appreciation for music cannot be properly obtained without exposure to beautiful music. Pop, country, rock all have their place, but will just not suffice.
Think of it this way: The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart is like a six-tiered, filled and ornately decorated cake, as opposed to a popular country or pop song on the radio which is like a boxed cake mix whipped up and made in an hour. You get the idea... there is no comparison. Like it or not, quite often (not always) popular music is about what is most marketable and profitable for record companies. However, geniuses like Beethoven, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky were moved by something different, something moving in their souls. Listening to beautiful music will give your child an appreciation for what is "truly" beautiful.
Beautiful Music helps foster an appreciation for truth and beauty
Start at an early age exposing your children to beautiful artwork and music. There are so many crude and ugly things in our world, it is important that our children know how to recognize true beauty so as to lift their mind and soul to higher things.There are many programs to help you reach this goal, though none of them are necessary, if you would like to use all freebies from the library.
Music Curriculum
For music appreciation curriculum, I have enjoyed using How to Introduce Your Child to Classical Music in 52 Easy Lessons. It is easy to use and not only exposes your child to beautiful music, it hones their listening skills as they try and discern the different sections of the orchestra (brass, strings, woodwinds, etc.).
If you are wanting to teach your children more general musical theory, then Music Ace 1 & 2 software are a fun way to go. Students progress through 24 lessons on sharps, flats, pitch, durations and more. Corresponding to each lesson is a game for extra fun and practice. Music Ace 2 builds on Music Ace 1 by introducing standard notation, rhythm, melody, harmony and intervals.
Of course, private instrument lessons are always an option for those who can afford them. If not, there are many excellent "teach yourself" programs available. I know of many families whose children were self taught at a variety of instruments.
Have fun incorporating a music curriculum into you homeschool program and try to remember that it is truly an important part of your child's homeschool education and not just an "extra."
