Over the coming weeks and months we will expand the topics listed here,
with articles and links to sites which further explore these important elements of "Music in our Lives"

1. Why music?

1.1. Music is soothing--lullabies have had healing and calming value throughout the ages
1.2. Music is food for the brain--it can play a vital role in cognitive development
1.3. Music is fun--to listen to, and to sing and play
1.4. Music-making is character-developing
1.5. Music-making is liberating
1.6. Music-making is one of the richest forms of self-expression

2. How to choose music for children

2.1. Our view of "good" music
2.2. Different music for different age groups
2.3. Caveats: how certain pop music is aimed at adolescent brains, not for the best of reasons
2.4. "The Field of Familiarity"--find favourite areas of music to dwell in, such as symphony, opera, solo, chamber, jazz, folk, ethnic, early music and many more...

3. Music in your child's daily routine

3.1. Bedtime--how music enhances and assists with the bedtime experience
3.2. Music in the car
3.3. Music during playtime
3.4. Music instead of TV...!

4. Music at all ages and stages

4.1. In the womb--the value of creating a musical environment very early
4.2. Infants--engaging the senses, whether soothing or stimulating
4.3. Toddlers--music to move by
4.4. Pre-school--music to stimulate the imagination and cognitive development
4.5. Elementary and primary school-creating the stage for learning an instrument
4.6. Secondary school--how the discipline of music-making assists in all areas of work and play, and lasts for life
4.7. Overall--a life including music is a richer life

5. Why should kids be active in music?

5.1. Music promotes learning-it engages and stimulates the mind, crossing over to all subjects
5.2. Research connects musical participation to better school behaviour and better testing scores
5.3. Participation in music assists with children's growing ability to socialise
5.4. Achievement in music develops self-esteem
5.5. Achievement in music adds value when applying for university and college

6. What's out there musically for your child?

6.1. All the music on this site has been carefully selected
6.2. Early childhood programmes
6.3. In-school programmes
6.4. Private lessons
6.5. Youth music organisations (out of school): orchestras, choirs, music theatre, general music
6.6. Competitions
6.7. Summer camps
6.8. Pre-college programmes for young musicians
6.9. College, university and conservatory programmes, both for intending professional musicians and also for fulfilling, avocational participation

7. The music lesson

7.1. The best moment to begin formal music lessons
7.2. Choosing the right instrument for your child
7.3. Finding the right music teacher
7.4. Building music into a fine, well-rounded education-whether for average or gifted children
7.5. Music high schools--for exceptionally gifted children
7.6. Choosing a college which is right musically for your child

8. The adult amateur

8.1. Avocational music making is the fastest growing area of classical music... world-wide!
8.2. Music lessons for adults, whether beginners or advanced
8.3. Musical performance outlets for adults
8.4. Competitions, master classes and other improvement programmes for adults
8.5. It's never too late!