<p><strong>Title: Music: A Lasting Gift Article</strong></p>
<p><strong>Word Count: 1450 words  </strong></p>
<p><strong>Abstract:</strong></p>
<p>What gift can you give your children at any age, that won’t ever break or wear out, and that they can enjoy for as long as they live? The gift of a love of music! Experienced music teachers, band directors and an internationally known musician explain how. </p>
<p><strong>Excerpt:</strong></p>
What gift can you give your children at any age, that won’t ever break or wear out, and that they can enjoy for as long as they live? The gift of a love of music!

	<p>“If you want your children to love music, you have to love it yourself and you have to present music in a loving way,” advises John D’earth, internationally recognized jazz trumpeter, teacher and composer.</p>

	<p>So where do you begin to present music to your children?</p>

	<p>1. Start by listening to a wide variety of music together – jazz, blues, classical, folk, music from other countries and cultures. Check out CD’s and tapes from the library. Try out different radio stations. And take your children to hear live musical performances. (see sidebar: Child Friendly Concert Venues)</p>

	<p>In our family, this was easier when our kids were young and un-opinionated about what constitutes “cool” music. But we can still get our teenage son (who is into hard rock) and pre-teen daughter (a country fan) to listen to classical, jazz and blues. (never mind that it’s usually when they’re trapped in the car with us on long trips!)</p>

	<p>“The role of the parent in taking early steps to expose their children to a wide range of music is crucial,” says Wayne Burgess, retired band director, life-long musician and teacher…</p>
<p><strong>Recommended Supplements</strong></p>
<ul>
		<li>  Child Friendly Concert Venues – variable length, can be localized</li>
		<li>Finding a Music Instructor for your Child – 225 words</li>
	</ul>