A person with “musical genius” will often show awareness of melody and rhythm from a very early age. They begin by responding to music, swaying or tapping rhythms with hands and feet. This may continue through childhood. Those little guys who are always singing, humming, whistling, or using their pencils to drum on the desk? Yeah. Them. But don’t let it irritate you. These kids tend to have an innate understanding of musical structure. They can definitely carry a tune (even without a bucket). Music and rhythm are their means of communication and their gift to the world.

A few examples, just for fun:

So how do you develop a budding Beethoven or Bo Diddley?

Expose them to a variety of inspiring music. As with other forms of art, there’s a wide variety of styles and many more that haven’t been invented yet! Click the video and hang on for a surprise ending. 😉

Sing-alongs can be great fun whether your family sings along to movie scores, sings silly car songs, or joins your community’s annual presentation of The Messiah or church cantata.

Songs can be a great way to memorize the alphabet, states and capitols, world geography, math facts, or Bible verses.

When the time is right, expose your little Mozart to a variety of musical instruments. Let them experiment and, if possible, provide music lessons on an instrument they show interest in playing.

Above all (and this is true of EVERY gift), encourage their early efforts! Do NOT critique each performance. It takes time to get “what’s inside” to “come outside” in the same form and to become comfortable exercising your gifts in front of others. Just relax and enjoy, and the skill will develop.