Every parent hopes to give their child the best start in life. But what if music just isn’t your thing? That’s okay! In this Ask the Expert session, Gin Tzu Tsai, the passionate founder of Jing Music School, offers practical advice for non-musical parents to help their children bloom musically.
Whether it’s encouraging practice, tapping along to a tune, or weaving music into daily routines, Gin will show you how even small acts of support can provide a strong foundation for children’s musical development and spark joy along the way.
Question and Answer
Question:
I’m not a really big fan of music in any way.. neither is my husband. maybe this questions is more for me… haha… how can I support my kids in developing music skill?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
You’re definitely not alone, the fact that you’re even asking shows how much you care! Parental support plays a huge role in a child’s musical development, especially in the early stages. Even if music isn’t your thing, your involvement can make all the difference.
Simple things like helping them stay consistent with practice, encouraging good posture, and developing a habit of listening attentively to the music are key foundations that are easier to build with a parent’s nurturing presence.
If music doesn’t come naturally to you and your husband, you might consider increasing the frequency of lessons so your child gets more direct guidance from a teacher. Alternatively, your presence, even just sitting with them during practice or lessons for the first 6 months to a year (depending on their pace), can help build the momentum they need to become more independent and motivated on their own.
You don’t need to be musical to be supportive: just being there matters!
Question:
I noticed my child enjoys tapping along to songs! does this mean they’re developing motor skills by listening to music???
Gin Tzu Tsai:
Absolutely! Tapping along to music is a great sign that your child is engaging both their body and mind. Music naturally supports holistic development, and movement is a big part of that. When children tap, clap, or move to a beat, they’re not only expressing joy; they’re also building coordination, rhythm, and motor skills.
There are even special classes, like Dalcroze Eurhythmics, that combine music and movement to help kids internalise rhythm through physical activity. This kind of learning is very intuitive for children, it taps into the rhythm that’s already inside them!
To encourage this, you can play movement games at home: try using songs with different tempos and encourage your child to move different parts of their body like stomping, swaying, or clapping to the beat. It’s fun, and it helps their musical and physical development grow hand in hand.
Question:
one more questions… I wonder if playing music in the background help my child’s brain development, or is it better for them to focus for a while, and have another music session another time?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
Both actually have their own benefits, it depends on the goal!
Playing music in the background can help set the tone and mood of an activity. For example, gentle background music during playtime can support language development, emotional regulation, and even boost creativity.
On the other hand, specific music sessions. Whether it’s listening, moving, or playing an instrument, can enhance deeper concentration, improve coordination, and develop active listening skills. These structured moments allow strong brain connections to form over time.
So, a balance of both is ideal. Background music sets the tone for the day, while intentional music sessions give your child the opportunity to develop specific musical and cognitive skills.
Question:
My child loves to play with toy instruments… How can I nurture this interest into a talent? Me and my husband are not musically inclined but really want our kid to at least learn music.
Gin Tzu Tsai:
It’s wonderful that you’ve noticed your child’s musical curiosity early on! Acting on their interest while it’s fresh is one of the best things you can do.
If your child is above 4 years old, you might consider enrolling them in beginner instrumental lessons. Piano and violin are common starting instruments because they help children build a solid foundation in pitch, rhythm, and coordination. The first music teacher is extremely important as they are setting your child’s music foundation through life.
If your child is under 4, it’s all about exposure and play. Attending music-based playgroups or classes that incorporate movement, rhythm, and singing is a fantastic way to nurture their love for music.
Singing at home is also incredibly effective, it helps develop a strong listening ear and musical awareness, and it doesn’t require any instruments at all!
Even if you and your husband aren’t musically trained, your encouragement and presence are the most powerful ways to support your child’s.
Question:
how can i push my kids to love music… i really want them to learn music because i heard it really helps with academic results in the future? is that true???
Gin Tzu Tsai:
It’s true that music can support a child’s overall development, including academic growth. Music is unique: it’s structured and logical, yet also emotional and expressive. Learning music can help children improve skills like pattern recognition, memory, focus, and discipline, which often translate well into subjects like math and language.
However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t apply to every child in the same way. Music can support academic growth, but it works best when a child is engaged and enjoying the process.
Instead of pushing, try to gently nurture their interest. Let them explore music in fun, pressure-free ways, through singing; movement, or playful exposure to instruments. The love for music grows naturally when it feels enjoyable and not like a chore. With your support, they’ll likely gain not just musical skills, but confidence, cognitive and emotional benefits too.
Question:
We sing a lot at home, and my girl always tries to sing along. She’s only 1.5 years old — is it too early to introduce actual music knowledge?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
That’s so adorable to hear, and no, it’s definitely not too early! At 1.5 years old, children are already absorbing sounds, patterns, and language, so this is a perfect time to gently introduce musical elements in a fun and natural way.
You can start by singing simple nursery songs and repeating them often. The repetition helps develop her memory, rhythm, and pitch awareness, and these will become meaningful core memories as she grows.
You could also begin sharing little stories about famous composers like Beethoven. Some of their life stories are incredibly inspiring and carry wonderful messages about resilience and creativity, even if she doesn’t fully understand yet, it plants a beautiful seed.
Attending music experiences like toddler friendly concerts or music and movement classes is another great way to build her connection with music through play and curiosity.
Question:
my baby… 8 months old… but they seem to love listening to different sounds…. Should I expose them to more musical experiences??? how?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
Yes, definitely! At 8 months, your baby is already absorbing so much from the world around them, including music. This is a wonderful time to introduce a variety of musical experiences to support their cognitive, emotional, and sensory development.
You can play different types of music at home: classical, lullabies, jazz, or even world music, to expose them to a range of rhythms, tones, and moods.
Sing to them often (even if you think you’re not a good singer, there’s nothing a child loves more than the sound of their parents!) and use simple musical toys or instruments like shakers and bells to make music playful and interactive.
As they grow and develop longer attention spans, usually around age 3 or 4, you can consider introducing structured music lessons. But for now, keep things light, joyful, and full of variety. You’re already laying a beautiful foundation just by filling your home with music and love.
Question:
it seems like my son (21 months) loves to hum and listen to music. Is that a sign that they might be musically inclined?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
It’s so sweet that your 21-month-old loves humming and listening to music! While it’s a bit early to say for sure if they’re musically inclined, this is definitely a positive sign. At this age, kids are naturally curious about sounds, rhythms, and melodies. Humming along is actually a great way to start developing their sense of pitch and rhythm.
You can encourage this interest by exposing them to different kinds of music and singing together. Simple instruments like shakers or tambourines can also be fun and interactive. Developing their music interest from these early moments is a great foundation for whatever comes next. Enjoy the exploration and fun!
Question:
My child seems to love singing but doesn’t seem to follow the melody correctly. What should I do?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
That’s a great question! As music teachers, we often help children work on matching melodies as well.
I’d suggest starting with a very simple exercise: sing just one note, and encourage your child to match it. This helps them start listening for the correct pitch and understand how to place their notes with their voice. Once they can do this, you can introduce simple, easy-to-follow songs like “Hot Cross Buns” or “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” which have simple melodic variations.
As they progress, you can gradually introduce scale-like passages: small, smooth steps between notes, before tackling more complex melodies that require more skill. This approach will help them build their ear and vocal control step by step.
Question:
Can music lessons improve focus? My 5 y/o nephew is very active and can’t sit still for long.
Gin Tzu Tsai:
This really depends on your nephew and the type of music being played. Some children can focus better with background music, while for others, music might actually be a distraction. For active children, music lessons themselves can help develop focus by providing structure and engaging their attention, but it’s important to see what works best for your nephew.
I’d recommend experimenting with different types of music, like calm background music versus more rhythmic, engaging tunes, and observing if it helps with his concentration. You could also try shorter, more interactive lessons to hold his attention and build focus gradually.
Fun and Easy Ways to Support Children’s Musical Development
Question:
Hi! Does playing background music for my baby help in their musical development?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
Yes, playing background music can definitely support your baby’s musical development in a gentle, natural way. Exposure to a variety of sounds and patterns contributes to early brain development.
There’s actually plenty of research on this topic, and you might find it interesting to know that music supports:
1. Auditory development and pattern recognition
2. Language and literacy skills
3. Emotional development and relationship bonding
4. Cognitive and memory skills enhancements
It really plays such a big role in development, that’s why I truly believe learning music helps raise smart, happy kids!
Question:
Is there a certain type of music that helps with brain development in children?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
In the context of Singapore, classical music is a good investment for children: it’s often linked to stronger focus, listening skills, and emotional regulation. That said, exposing your child to a variety of genres like pop, jazz, or world music can also really enrich their brain development.
There’s no strict right or wrong. What matters most is what they’re exposed to, and how consistently they engage with it. A rich musical environment is always a good thing!
Question:
What instruments are most suitable for young children? My child is 3 years old.
Gin Tzu Tsai:
In my experience, 3 year olds are generally a bit young to begin formal music lessons. However, some children who demonstrate good behavior and quick comprehension skills may be ready to start earlier than their peers. They can begin their musical journey with fundamentals or experiential music programmes, which focus on fun and simple music-making to engage their interest.
For children aged 4 and above, instruments such as the violin and piano are excellent choices. Both are versatile, and with the right guidance, children can begin producing music relatively quickly. Even if they are not yet ready for formal lessons, early exposure and musical play at this stage provide a strong foundation for future learning.
Question:
Is it okay to start music lessons for a 2-year-old, or is that too early?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
It might be a bit too early to start formal music lessons at 2 years old, but I definitely encourage introducing them to the fundamentals of music learning to begin their musical journey. At this age, more exposure to music. Whether through singing, rhythm games, or listening, can go a long way in laying the groundwork for future lessons. The earlier the exposure, the better!
Question:
At what age should I start introducing my child to musical instruments?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
The ideal age to introduce children to musical instruments depends on the child’s individual development, but generally, between the ages of 4 to 5 is a good starting point. At this age, children are beginning to develop motor skills and can engage in basic music-making activities, such as playing simple percussion instruments or exploring sounds on a keyboard.
Question:
How can I tell if my child has a natural ear for music at a young age?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
If your child is good at picking up and mimicking sounds around them, it could be a strong sign that they’re musically inclined. Key signs to look out for include whether your child responds to music through movements like tapping or clapping, tries to sing along and match the pitch, or shows an interest in various musical sounds. These are great indicators of their natural musical abilities.
Question:
I wonder… If my child is shy and doesn’t want to join group music activities, what should I do to help them feel more comfortable?
Gin Tzu Tsai:
If your child is shy and doesn’t want to join group music activities, it’s important to be patient and supportive. While group music lessons are beneficial for social development, one-on-one instrumental lessons can be a great alternative, especially for young children. Look for a nurturing teacher who can create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Over time, with individual attention and a relaxed setting, your child may feel more comfortable and begin to open up to the idea of group activities.
About the Expert
Gin Tzu Tsai is the founder of Jing Music School, where she is dedicated to making music education accessible, joyful, and developmentally appropriate for young learners. With years of experience in childhood music education and a heart full of enthusiasm, Gin specializes in guiding families to engage with music in ways that are both supportive and inspiring, especially when parents themselves may not feel musically savvy.
Final Thought
Encouraging your child’s musical abilities doesn’t require you to be a performer, just a supportive presence. As Gin Tzu Tsai reminds us, what matters most is consistency, curiosity, and an open heart.
By cheering them on, sitting with them during practice, and keeping music a joyful part of your family’s day, you’re already laying the groundwork for their creativity and confidence. Keep exploring together, and remember: learning music is as much about connection as it is about notes.
