A lot of music lessons for small children is just playing games with musical elements.
Here's 3 types of games you can play at home to help your kid be ready for lessons.
1. Knee bouncing games are perfect to introduce toddlers to rhythm. You'll place the child on your knee and bounce them rhythmically as you chant these words.
Ride a horsey, ride a horsey,
Going to the mill.
Be careful, little boy.(or little girl, or replace with their name)
Your corn is gonna SPILL! (On SPILL!, drop your knees apart so the child falls down.)
2. Action songs can help with fine motor skills and practicing moving in rhythm. There are so many out there and so great to have in your pocket when a fun game is needed with no prep and no supplies.
The Itsy Bitsy Spider is a really popular one. Do the actions as you sing each line.
The itsy bitsy spider went up the water spout
Touch your left thumb to your right index finger. Touch your right thumb to your left index finger & repeat while raising your arms to make the spider "climb the spout".
Down came the rain and washed the spider out
Wiggle your fingers and lower your hands. Then spread your hands flat and draw them to the sides.
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain
Make a circle with your arms.
So the itsy bitsy spider went up the spout again
Do the thumb/index finger action like the beginning.
3. Blowing games help build breath control which is needed for singing or any wind instrument. They are great of slightly older kids. For this game, all you need is a piece of paper (a piece of tissue paper works perfect) and a table.
You stand on one side and your child stands on the other. Place the paper in the middle and take turns blowing it from each side. The goal is to blow it off the opposite side of the table.
There are a million variations you can try. Make it a co-operative game by blowing the same direction. Try single player where you see how few breathes you need. To make it harder, stand further away.
All of these games are simple and fun, but help with practicing key musical skills. Why don't you try them with your kids today?