I met country musician Rory Gardiner on Twitter. He wrote me saying:
I think music is incredibly important in the development of young minds. I am a recording artist who just released my first children’s album. After becoming a parent myself, I couldn’t resist the direction my song writing was taking me! I think your readers would could connect with it because it inhibits inspiration, fun and an artistic outlet for their kids.
I agree and after listening to his music — he’s seriously talented! — I wanted my readers to meet him! Today’s guest post is from Rory Gardiner. What children’s music are you enjoying? Rory’s is the world’s FIRST country music for kids!
Music Turns Children Into Successful Adults?
There is no mistaking that the arts are a fantastic development tool for children. Research has proven that learning an instrument will improve memory, boost confidence, and result in higher academic achievement. If this is the case, then why do so many bright eyed children refuse to learn or practice the instruments we give them?
More often than not, it has a lot to do with how they’re taught. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you be passionate about learning scales and repeatedly playing “Mary Had A Little Lamb” in its entirety until your fingers hurt? No, you want to learn the songs you hear on radio and in movies. The stuff you recognize and love!
Kids feel the same way. With an attention span half as long as a typical adult, they need some sort of vested interest in playing. For starters, let them choose the instrument. If they can’t decide, then choose something YOU would play. Don’t choose the cello by default, because you think it will turn your child into the next Bill Gates.
“Won’t the crazy music we listen to turn into distant teenagers, then adults who choose attempted rock stardom over college? ” No. Learning the music they choose will push them past that hump that most beginners don’t quite get over, and end up throwing in the towel. Who wouldn’t want to show their friends that they can play the guitar chord progression to a Bruno Mars song, or the entire Frozen sound track on Piano?
Children not exposed to creative outlets, such as athletics or music may results in then never truly breaking out of their social shell, or given a chance to test out their natural God given talents.
Benefits of Learning Music:
- Learning music develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on getting things done as opposed to observing. It is WAY more fun being on stage, rather than in the audience.
- Music study enhances teamwork skills and discipline. In a band setting, you play as a unit. Any member not rehearsed will throw off the rest of the instruments. Practice makes perfect.
- Little room for error. When you hit a wrong note, it is very noticeable. You can’t fake it in music, which is why it is a great way to enhance focus and patients.
- Being busy with music, is a great distraction from trouble. When a child is actively being creative, they are less likely to seek distractions, such as drugs or general mischief.
Win a Copy of Yee-Haw by Rory Gardiner
To win a CD of Yee-Haw by Rory Gardiner, please fill out the Rafflecopter!
Rory has been a song writer for as long as he can remember, but now calling it a career is something that he could only dream of. His latest project has officially been released. The Album “Yee-Haw” contains 12 new original country Children Songs, and Rory states: “I’m just anxious to see where this musical journey takes us next”. Rory Gardiner’s new children’s album on iTunes is HERE. You can find him at his website, Facebook or on Twitter (@RoryGardiner), like I did.
My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
What an exciting project! My kids are big Piano Guy fans at the moment. I bet they would enjoy this CD also!
Hi MaryAnne,
I’ll have to check out Piano Guy. Is he a YouTuber? I hope you win the album for your kids!
Ooh, you need to see their videos if you haven’t! Your commenting thing won’t let me post the link, but if you search for “The Piano Guys” on YouTube you will find their channel 🙂
Thanks so much for the heads up MaryAnne! Looking it up right now!
https://www.youtube.com/user/ThePianoGuys
OMG, my kids would love them! I wonder if they ever perform in Boston?!!
VeggieTales, their movies and their songs are very popular in our home. Although the kids are getting a little old for it now. hope to find something new like this for them to be into to.
Hi Andie,
My kids LOVED VeggieTales too when they were little. My husband found a kiosk at the airport a long time ago that allowed you to personalize a CD of VeggieTales songs with your child’s name. That was a big hit in our house!