I went to see the Foo Fighters perform recently (not-so-humble brag) and it was an incredible show, made all the more incredible that it was at our local football (Australian Rules Football) stadium, in a regional town. The band came on at 8:30 and played for a solid 2.5 hours without a break or so much as a tiny misstep.

There were plenty of us oldies who grew up during the grunge phase in the 90’s and what initially surprised me was the number of people who brought their young and not-so-young children. There were plenty of kids with earmuffs to protect their delicate ear drums, and teens rocking the vintage grunge look as the ‘70’s-via-the-90’s permeates fashion again. While I revelled in my child-free night, others shared a sodden night out seeing their favourite band with their children, making incredible memories. Musical memories can be incredibly strong ones and ones we should foster with our kids, broadening their experiences and musical tastes.

My Dad was the music lover in our family. He played the piano and had a somewhat interesting taste in music including things like ‘The songs of The Beatles played on the flute’. Not my bag at all. However, he also listened to lots of rock from the 60s, usually on Gold FM, and had a double cassette of Rock’n’Roll Love Songs. I listened to the cassettes over and over and I still consider some of those songs favourites and search for them on Spotify.

I still remember being dragged to a jazz concert when I was a teen. I’m the youngest of 3 and I was the only one young enough to drag along against my will. I don’t really remember much about the day except that I actually REALLY enjoyed myself. I was stubborn though and I’m pretty sure I only relented enough to say it was ‘ok’.

Us kids were also dragged to see ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ when it came to Melbourne. We were forced into our Sunday best because everyone dressed up for the theatre back then and I LOVED IT. That, along with Mum’s Andrew Lloyd Webber tapes, created a love of musical theatre. In the spirit of honesty though, I’m pretty sure my brother and sister have never seen, nor listened, to a musical since.

When my smallest was knee-high to a grasshopper, she would stop wherever live music was played, and dance. I have happy memories of her dancing to a classical group in a major hotel in Melbourne aged 3 and again to a street band at Sovereign Hill (a living museum of an Australian goldrush town). Her daycare hired the Mik Maks to play at their Christmas concert and she was moshing in the front for the whole concert. You should have seen her grin when one of the Mid Maks approached her later to commend her dancing and enthusiasm.

Coming together to celebrate live music is a real type of magic. The benefits of sharing music have been proven over and over again and it is genuinely elemental to our sense of community. There are so many ways to connect with music in your community, often for free:

• Next time you hear a busker you enjoy, stop and listen (and drop a coin in their hat)

• Head to free activities organised by your local council as they almost always include music performances

• Search for free music events via Eventbrite in your local area
  

I’m not suggesting anyone give up age appropriate simple songs and rhymes (see here, here and here for some quality music ideas from the ever-brilliant Bron Lawson) but that these experiences can be supplemented with other quality experiences the whole family can enjoy together.

Finally, as your children get older, get ready for them to introduce you to new music. It can be an utter joy, especially if you keep the same open mind you expected of them as children. You also might get your teen telling you all sorts of facts about Michael Jackson as if you’ve never heard of the man. Roll with it!

What are your musical memories? What was the first concert you attended? Comment below!