INTRODUCING YOUR CHILD TO CLASSICAL MUSIC

Listen to a piece of classical music together! Pick a short piece or a short movement of a longer piece.

Ask questions: Does this piece make you feel happy or sad? Are the musicians playing loud or soft or both? What do you imagine while you listen? Does the music remind you of a story or a movie?

Draw a picture or write a short story about the music you just heard.

Read books! There are many wonderful children’s books about musical instruments and orchestras.

BEFORE THE CONCERT

Decide where you want to sit at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. Is the lawn the right choice or inside the amphitheater? Typically, more serious listeners sit inside the amphitheater (the pavilion seats) and the more casual listening area is on the lawn. You know your child best, so choose a seating location that works for you.

• The lawn is a great atmosphere for children to experience the concert. Lawn tickets are only $5 for children 3-12. There is a little more space for your child to move to the music, draw along with the music, or sit in your lap and listen.
• Pavilion seats are best for older children, and those who can last a bit longer without getting restless. Patrons are not encouraged to get out of the seats during the performance. Bravo! recommends children be 6 and older in the pavilion seats.
  
  

Find a recording of the music you will hear at the concert and listen beforehand. It’s fun to pick out recognizable melodies or instruments at the live performance. Go to YouTube for performance videos so your child can get a sense of that they will see.

Walk your child through what they can expect on the night of the concert. How will we find our seats? What is concert etiquette? When should we clap?  How long will the concert be?

Most of all, this a fun event to look forward to! Choose a special outfit for concert night to make the event more exciting.

CONCERT NIGHT

Allow plenty of time to arrive, park, and walk to the amphitheater. View our parking information here. 

Upon arriving at the concert, remember to use the restroom, purchase snacks, and get settled before the performance begins.

Here are a few suggestions to help your child understand live concert listening etiquette:

• Place your hand on your child’s shoulder or leg to remind them to engage and listen to the performance.
• Explain to your child that distracting behavior means the possibility of leaving the concert seating area. The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater has several open areas if your child needs to take a break:
  • The lawn seating has easy exit points to discretely leave during a performance—one on each side.
  • Listen to the concert from the Lobby area on the West side of the venue, where your child can hear the concert and also have space to move around.
  • Take a walk outside the East Gates to look at the river or walk across the bridge.
    
    

Offer activities during the performance:

• Drawing or coloring quietly along with the music;
• Writing down words or stories inspired by the music.
  
  

Most concerts will have an intermission. Take this time to ask questions about the concert (What was your favorite part? What instrument do you like the best?).

A treat during intermission or after the concert is always fun, too!

AFTER THE CONCERT

On the ride home, at bedtime or the next day, ask your child questions about the concert. What was your favorite part? What made the concert extra special?

If your child has questions you can’t answer, ask us! Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can! 

Your child’s feedback will help inform your next concert experience. For example, if your child liked the violin soloist that night, look at our upcoming programs featuring other violinists.

Order your tickets for the next concert on your list and repeat!

Classical music is a beautiful art form to share with your family no matter when or HOW you choose to do it. Bravo! Vail wants to support you in creating a positive, exciting concert experience for your children. Please feel free to contact us with questions anytime.