Tips for introducing classical music to your child.
Things to do with your child before you make your way to the performance.
The big night is finally here! Here are some tips to help you navigate the actual performance.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Offer activities during the performance:
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!
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.
Q: Should I bring the kids?
A: We strongly recommend the minimum age of six for a pavilion seat. There is no age limit for the lawn. Every child is different; you know your child best and can judge their readiness for experiencing a concert at Bravo! Vail. Most importantly, if you attend a concert and find that your kids are too young, don’t worry! Try again in the future—later in the summer or the following year.
Younger kids will enjoy our Free Family Concerts, which are shorter and have a more relaxed atmosphere and more to look at on the stage, and our Little Listeners @ the Library series.
Q: What is the age limit for bringing my child to a concert?
A: There is really no “right” age for bringing your child to a concert. There is no age limit for the lawn, and we recommend audiences are 5 or older for sitting inside the pavilion. However, you know your child best and can judge their readiness for experiencing a concert at Bravo! Vail. Most importantly, if you attend a concert and it isn’t a great experience, don’t worry! Try again in the future—later in the summer or the following year.
Q: How do I know if my child ready to attend a Bravo! Vail concert?
A: Go through the “before the concert” activities and use your child’s interest and focus to gauge their readiness. Remember, all kids are different and will experience classical music in different ways…and that’s OK!
Q: How else can I introduce my child to classical music?
A: Bravo! Vail has many programs for kids. Check out all of our opportunities for kids and families here.