I have an immense passion for classical music. If I had the choice, I would surround myself with it all day, every day. My love for this genre was instilled in me by my parents during my childhood. They always had classical music playing in the house, and my father would sit in his favorite chair, lost in thought while listening to the works of Mozart, Bach, or Beethoven.

While the Mozart effect, which claims that classical music can make children smarter, is a topic of debate, the positive effects of listening to classical music are undeniable for my family. I discovered an incredible book that exposes us to selected pieces of music while teaching us about classical music, composers, eras, and history. In “Years of Wonder,” there is a piece of classical music for every day, accompanied by a one-page description. This book has worked wonders for my family. Every morning during breakfast, I read about the classical piece of the day to my children, and then we listen to it together on YouTube.

As a child, my parents encouraged me to play an instrument. I started with the recorder and later played the piano for many years. Even though I did not pursue a career in music, I am grateful to my parents for showing me the beauty of classical music.

I have followed in my parent’s footsteps by encouraging my children to play an instrument. In today’s world, where fine motor skills are not always practiced, playing an instrument is an excellent opportunity to develop this skill. Even if my children do not become virtuosos, being able to play their favorite music is a beautiful and unifying experience.

Now that my children are older, I make every effort to bring them to concerts. I am thankful to the Florida Orchestra for allowing homeschoolers to attend coffee concerts for a minimal fee and providing free tickets for children to master concerts. Going to a concert is a special occasion, not only because of the music but also because of the atmosphere of the concert hall. Children learn to use different manners, dress appropriately, and see music performed live on stage. It is an incredible learning opportunity.

If you are unable to attend a concert, I highly recommend trying “Year of Wonder.” It is another excellent opportunity to read aloud to your children while exposing them to classical music and its rich history.

Burton-Hill, C. (2020). Year of Wonder. HarperCollins.